^OF-CALIF(%, 


^\\E  UNIVER5/A 


SATAN  CONQUERED, 


THE  SON  OF  GOD  VICTORIOUS. 


A  POEM  :    IN  FIVE  BOOKS. 


BY   J.  W.    GREEN. 


Effulgence  of  my  glory,  son  beloved, 
•  *  •  •  * 

For  thee  I  have  ordained  it ;  and  thus  far 
Have  suffered,  that  the  glory  may  be  thine 
Of  ending  this  great  war.  since  none  but  thou 
Can  end  it. 

MILTON. 


ALBANY : 

C.    VAN   BENTHCTYSEN  AND    CO. 

1844. 


PS 


PREFACE. 


BY  a  perusal  of  this  volume,  it  will  be  seen 
that  it  does  not  accord  with  the  prescribed  rules 
of  epic  composition ;  and  that  it  has  been  no 
part  of  the  author's  design  to  allow  himself  a 
wide  range  of  imagination,  although  that  may 
be  esteemed  essential  to  true  poetry;  but  rather 
to  follow  the  course  of  divine  truth,  where  all 
boundaries  are  marked  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  His 
great  object  has  been  to  present  the  history  of 
Jesus  Christ  in  conflict  with  the  powers  of  dark 
ness,  in  such  a  form  as  not  only  to  amuse,  but 
benefit  the  inquiring  reader ;  and  thereby  pro 
mote  the  honor  of  Christ.  If  this  end  should  be 
attained,  his  highest  hopes  will  be  realized. 
With  this  view  he  gives  it  to  the  world  as  it  is, 
with  the  single  remark: — That  in  his  judgment, 
there  is  a  sublimity  in  the  truth  of  God,  which 
sets  at  defiance  all  criticism  not  in  accordance 
with  its  holy  dictates. 

CLIFTON  PARK,  N.  Y.,  January,  1844. 


904577 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1844, 
by  J.  W.  GREEN,  in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District 
Court  of  the  Northern  District  of  New- York. 


SATAN  CONQUERED,  &c. 
BOOK  I. 


For  onto  us  a  child  is  born. 

ISAIAH  ix.  6. 

For  onto  you  is  born  this  day,  in  the  city  of  David,  a 
Saviour,  which  is  Christ  the  Lord. 

LfKB  ii.  11. 

And  they  came  with  haste;  and  found  Mary  and  Joseph, 
and  the  babe  lying  in  a  manger. 

LUKB  ii.  16. 


BOOK    I. 


I  COURT  no  fabled  muse,  whose  fancied  power, 

Could  move  the  fountains  of  unfathomed  mind, 

To  pour  rich  streams  of  poesy  and  song  ; 

Invoked  too  oft,  invoked  instead  of  God, 

By  men  of  Christian  name !    Ye  patrons  famed, 

Of  liberal  arts  !    Ye  sacred  shadows  all ! 

Your  aid  I  ask  not ;  aid  I  need,  must  have, 

Or  can  not  sing  my  Saviour's  praise,  whose  praise 

To  sing,  is  rich  reward  for  life  of  toil. 

Thy  guidance,  God  of  truth,  I  ask,  and  ask 

In  Jesus'  name,  whose  praise,  attempted,  I 

Successfully  may  roll  in  numbers  sweet 

As  angels  sing,  to  end  of  time.     Revive 

In  me  the  song  of  sacred  mirth  and  joy, 

Of  Judah's  bards  inspired,  when  harps  inscribed 

To  Israel's  God,  and  swept  by  men  elect, 

Touched  sympathetic  chords  in  hearts  alive 

To  holy  melody  and  love.     Instruct 

Thy  humble  bard,  (if  so  much  claimed,  be  not 

Presumptuous  deemed,  in  one  whose  strains  so  low  ;) 

The  precious  from  the  vile  to  separate  — 

The  good  retain,  and  mould  to  beauteous  form  ; 

The  bad  hold  up  in  mean  disgusting  shape: 

That  one  may  be  despised,  rejected  hence  ; 

The  other  loved,  received  by  all  as  true 

Reflected  image  of  the  Deity! 

In  famed  Judea's  ancient  land,  renown'd 
For  deeds  of  holy  men,  who  spoke  for  God  ; 


s 


Where  holy  prophets  sung  inspired  lays, 

A  virgin  lived.     A  rural  maid,  whose  days 

Had  passed  thus  far,  among  the  vine  clad  hills 

And  rural  scenes  of  nature's  richest  dress, 

In  peace  and  silence  on,  along  the  course 

Of  life;  as  gentle  streams  in  valleys  low, 

Observed  by  few,  o'erlooked  by  most,  still  urge 

Their  winding,  noiseless  way  to  ocean's  waves. 

Seclusion  deep  had  thrown  her  curtain  dark, 

Impenetrable,  round  her  lowly  home. 

A  princess  born  by  lineal  tie,  in  birth 

Obscure,  and  little  known  among  the  great — 

The  sons  of  wealth  and  pride.     She  figured  not 

At  courts,  nor  dazzled  heartless  multitudes, 

By  costly  show  of  princely  style  ;  yet  He, 

Who  looks  with  prescient  glance  from  lofty  heights 

Of  uncreated  light — the  home  of  God — 

And  calls  by  name  the  things  that  are  not  yet, 

Had  marked  her  for  his  own,  when  she  was  not ! 

In  council  wise,  eternal,  he  decreed 

That  nations  yet  unborn  should  bless  her  name, 

As  woman  highly  favored  of  the  Lord — * 

A  mother  worthy  of  his  holy  Son ! 

Mistaken  zealots  thence  have  blindly  taught, 

And  multitudes  as  blindly  learned  to  bow 

Before  the  Virgin's  shrine,  addressing  prayer 

To  one  but  blest  of  God —  a  mortal  dead — 

To  importune  for  them  the  living  Son ! 

A  sinner  she,  and  sprung  from  sinful  root, 

Herself  unholy,  hence  her  holiness 

Imputed,  and  derived  from  attribute 

Of  Deity.     Inherent  his,  and  most 

*  Luke  i.  88. 


9 


Essential  to  his  being.     Man  with  sense 
Distorted  much  by  sin's  perverting  power, 
Has  put  for  day,  the  darkness  of  the  night; 
Writ  over  ill,  'tis  good,  and  good,  'tis  ill ; 
For  doctrine  substituted  creeds  of  men, 
And  taught  to  worship  her  who  bore  the  Son ! 

The  high  and  lofty  One  of  ancient  days,* 

His  glory  showed  to  him  who  lived  in  times 

Of  Israel's  kings.     High  seated  on  the  throne, 

He  saw  the  Lord  in  splendid  majesty 

And  honor  crowned !     His  train,  angelic  hosts, 

Seraphic  forms  of  light,  the  temple  filled ! 

With  holy  awe,  profound  as  Ocean's  depth, 

And  faces  veiled,  they  celebrate  his  praise 

In  strains  exalted  as  the  place  they  fill. 

To  him  upon  the  throne  they  did  not  speak, 

But  one  to.  other  cried,  and  holiness 

To  God  whose  glory  fills  the  universe, 

Repeated  thrice !     The  prophet  young,  unused 

To  scenes  celestial,  habitant  of  earth, 

As  other  kindred  his,  those  who  live  not 

But  in  congenial  element,  was  filled 

With  most  distressing  fears,  and  cried, 

"  I  am  undone,  wo  is  me,  sinful  man!  " 

Pure  air  of  holiness  he  could  not  breath, 

Till  from  the  throne  dispatched,  a  seraph  blest, 

With  living  fire  from  off  the  altar  high, 

His  lips  had  touched.     Then  quick  as  thought, 

Swift  wing'd  from  pole  to  pole,  his  sins  were  purged, 

And  visions  bright  of  future  bliss  infused 

Into  his  soul,  as  pure  incitements  given 

To  works  prophetic,  and  commissioned  grace  1 

*  Isaiah  vi.  1—9. 


10 


Now  strong  impelled,  the  joyful  prophet  went 
To  those  rebellious,  violent,  and  fierce  ; 
Communicating  messages  of  peace, 
From  God  to  man.     The  greatest  burden  thus  .- 
"  The  Lord  to  man  a  sign  shall  give  :     Behold ! 
A  virgin  shall  conceive  and  bear  a  son ! 
His  name,  Immanuel  —  our  God  with  us  — 
Is  called  by  him  who  calls  the  stars  by  name!  "* 
In  holy  vision  wrapt,  the  prophet's  soul 
Was  thence  transported  down  the  lapse  of  time 
To  brighter  days  and  rapturous  scenes  of  joy. 
Enchanted  thus  he  speaks  in  present  time. 
As  one  who  witness'd  what  good  Simeon  saw. 
And  glowing  lays  in  lofty  notes  begins  : 

•'  For  unto  us  a  child  is  born,  a  Son 
Is  given  ;  and  on  his  shoulders  shall  be  laid 
The  government  of  Israel's  chosen  host ! 
His  name  is  Counsellor,  and  Wonderful ! 
The  Everlasting  Father,  Prince  of  Peace ! 
The  Mighty  God !  —  Secret  profound,  divine '. 
By  him  a  reign  of  love  shall  yet  commence 
On  earth  with  man.     Established  not  by  blood 
Of  warriors  spilled,  or  battles  sorely  won 
By  legions  armed,  advancing  to  the  shock 
Of  conflict  dread  —  the  satiate  joy  of  hell :  — 
But  means  employed  by  wisdom  infinite. 
Adapted  not.  to  accomplish  mighty  ends 
In  reason's  choice  :     Approved  of  God  and  blest ! 
So  simple,  to  confound  the  wise  ;  so  weak. 
To  overthrow  the  strong  ;  —  the  gentle  fire 
Of  purifying  grace  I    This  reign  begun. 
Shall  be  extended  wide  o'er  earth's  domain. 

"  Isaiah  vii.  H. 


11 

Nor  have  an  end,  but  where  no  tribes  of  men 
Shall  dwell !  where  footsteps  human  are  not  traced  ! 
The  Kingdom  built  on  justice,  judgment,  love, 
The  sceptre  held  by  David's  royal  Son, 
Must  stand  'mid  changing  scenes  of  earth  and  time, 
As  pillars  firm  of  Heaven's  eternal  dome  !  "* 

Thus  sung  the  ancient  seer,  and  thus  believed. 

But  men  of  modern  name,  ignoble  too, 

Who  were  not  taught  of  God  in  school  divine, 

And  little  skilled  in  knowledge  of  the  Lord  — 

Unborn  of  him,  unchanged  in  heart — a  less 

Exalted  strain  have  sung — proud  men  who  love 

To  drag  Jehovah  down  to  man's  low  grade ! 

Aspire  to  him,  they  can  not,  but,  through  Christ, 

Him  they  disdain ;  and  hence  the  equal  Son, 

In  whom  the  Godhead  dwells,  is  humbled  low 

To  meet  themselves !     O  !  that  such  men  could  learn 

That  God  has  cursed  the  man,  who  trusts  in  man, 

And  makes  his  rebel  boast  in  arm  of  flesh  ! 

They  claim  him  as  a  Saviour  too,  yet  make 

Him  less  than  Judah's  King !     The  heaven-born  names, 

And  titles  high  above  the  reach  of  man, 

As  far  as  heaven  from  hell,  employed  to  sing 

The  Saviour's  power,  their  maddened  intellects 

Bestow  to  Hezekiah's  praise!     See  here 

Theology,  absurd,  degrading,  mean! 

Dishonoring  God,  exalting  man  above 

His  humble  place,  in  wise  gradation  fixed ! 

And  this  in  spite  of  revelation's  law  ; 

To  give  that  honor  to  the  Son,  we  give 

To  God !     Such  is  the  Father's  just  decree. f 

Names  rev'rend  such  as  Gabriel  may  not  claim, 

•  Isaiah  ix.  9.  t  John  T.  23. 


12 


Applied  to  him  who  is  but  man  ;  withheld 

From  him  who  must  be  more  !    Perversion  blind. 

And  mockery  of  thought  legitimate, 

Or  free  inductive  reason's  course !     The  chief 

Of  hosts  angelic,  could  not  thoughts  conceive 

Like  these,  in  compass  wide  of  largest  mind! 

Egregious  thoughts !  and  bearing  impress  dark 

Of  hellish  origin,  thence  turned  to  shape 

In  earthly  mould,  by  imps  of  human  form ! 

The  hosts  who  bow  before  the  throne,  delight 

To  honor  him  who  sits  thereon,  as  well 

To  praise  the  Lamb !     Rejoicing  much  in  view 

Of  grace  ineffable,  when  erring  man 

Is  turned  from  sin  to  God !     Redemption's  work 

Is  magnified  to  them  ;  the  reason  hence 

That  jewels  fresh  are  added  to  the  crown 

Of  Christ  their  King.     So  harps  of  gold  are  tuned 

Anew  to  praise,  and  swept  by  holy  hands ! 

Ye  sons  of  God !     Inhabitants  of  heaven ! 

If  eyes  celestial,  used  to  medium  such 

As  vision  infinite  employs,  can  look 

Through  twilight  shades  upon  the  friends  of  God 

Profess'd,  on  earth,  who  pluck  from  brows  divine 

The  crown  imperishable,  highest  joy 

To  all  your  sacred  throng — before  whose  throne, 

Ye  wear  no  crowns,  but  cast  them  at  his  feet, 

Ascribing  majesty  to  him  —  O,  say, 

If  blush  ye  can,  does  not  the  crimson  flush 

Of  shame  indignant,  tinge  your  hallowed  cheecks  T 

The  hurried  course  of  ever  rolling  time, 
In  whose  revolving  sphere  the  checkered  scenes 
Of  human  life  are  seen,  has  ushered  in 
The  latter  days.     Years  pregnant  with  events 


13 

Important  —  way-marks  on  historic  page 
To  rebel  man — have  fled  and  mingled  long 
With  ancient  ages  gone  !    Proud  empires,  strong 
Intrenched  by  policy  and  art  of  man, 
Have  passed  as  trackless  visions'  flight !     No  trace 
Of  Babylon,  glory  of  kingdoms  styled, 
The  Chaldee's  beauty,  now  is  found !     And  where 
The  Medo-Persian  kings  of  by-gone  fame  ? 
Or  Grecian  reign  of  brass  ?     Now  Herod  sits 
On  David's  throne,  yet  not  by  right  divine, 
By  usurpation  gained  —  by  Caesar's  power  — 
Oppressive  days  of  iron  rule,  to  all 
The  chosen  tribes  of  remnant  Israel's  host. 
They  walked  not  in  the  way  marked  out  of  God, 
But  turned  away :     He  turned  from  them,  and  gave 
The  kingdom  to  their  foes.     For  Jacob's  sake 
Beloved,  the  God  of  Jacob  will  not  cast 
Them  quite  away.     The  sacred  promise  made 
To  fathers  blest,  to  all  the  waiting  seed, 
Must  be  performed  ;  else  where  the  truth  of  God  ? 
The  kingdom,  in  unearthly,  glorious  form  — 
The  Spirit's  reign  of  bliss  —  must  be  restored 
To  Israel's  King !     Dark  clouds  of  midnight  hour, 
With  storm  surcharged,  and  dire  forebodement  fill'd, 
At  morn's  approach,  their  threatening  mien  oft  change 
To  brighter  view,  and  seem  embodied  forms 
Aerial,  dipp'd  in  rays  of  coming  light ; 
So  seemed  the  cloud  which  long  o'er  Judah  hung, 
Now  scattered  by  return  of  moral  dawn ! 
The  eyes  unused  to  light,  are  blinded  soon 
By  that  which  eyes  accustomed,  grateful  bear ; 
So  men  of  Israel  shrink  to  darkness  back, 
Or  twilight  dim — their  wonted  element  — 
To  wait  the  preparation  meet!    The  son 
2 


14 

To  be  of  virgin  born,  will  introduce 

A  dispensation  new  ;  abolish  rites 

In  veneration  held  ;  shake  principles 

And  laws  of  ancient  strength,  till  naught  remain. 

Established  hence,  approved  of  God  and  loved  ; 

But  worship  spiritual,  humble,  meek, 

Of  pomp  devoid  and  showy  trappings  stripp'd  — 

Religion's  beauteous,  holy  form,  disrobed 

Of  earth's  deforming  garb,  in  Heaven's  own  light 

And  glory  then  reflected.     Former  rites 

Indeed,  much  glory  claimed,  as  well  they  might, 

And  challenged  all  of  Pagan  stamp,  because 

Of  origin  divine — ordained  of  God 

Till  Christ  the  promised  seed  should  come.     But  a« 

The  stars  of  morning  fade  before  the  sun, 

In  splendor  coming  forth,  so  vanish  all 

The  former,  when  the  latt«r  comes !     So  mucb, 

Of  revelation's  brilliancy  at  once 

Displayed,  would  but  confound,  and  overwhelm 

Where  it  should  strengthen  most!     Among  the  throng 

Attendant  round  the  throne  of  God,  was  one, 

As  all,  in  borrowed  light  and  radiance  clothed, 

But  favored  much,  and  chosen  oft  to  do 

His  will,  and  go  on  missions  to  the  earth. 

New  Gabriel  leaves  the  ranks  elect,  and  wings 

His  trackless  way  through  space  ethereal, 

To  man's  abode !     He  comes  to  those  belov'd 

Of  God  and  man,  who  blameless  lived,  and  walk'd 

In  paths  divine.     The  man,  a  priest  of  God, 

Appointed  to  Abia's  course,  whose  lot 

Was  then  to  offer  incense  up  to  Him 

At  consecrated  hour,  in  sacred  courts, 

Whilst  multitudes  were  bowing  down  without. 

Approaching  thus  the  altar  of  his  God, 


15 

Behold  a  form  divine,  in  light  arrayed, 

And  brilliant  as  the  sun  at  cloudless  noon, 

In  brightest  blaze,  his  entrance  waiting  stood ! 

Affixed  as  marble  statues  are,  so  was 

The  priest  affrighted  fixed  !     Advance,  or  fle«, 

He  neither  could  ;  nor  yet  could  speak  ;  with  fear 

His  tongue  was  paralyzed  !     To  whom  the  son 

Of  light  discourse  began :     "  Fear  not  — Thy  prayer 

Is  heard.     Thy  spouse  shall  bear  a  son,  of  joy 

To  thee,  and  many  more !     A  festive  day 

When  he  is  born  !     Repentant  crowds  shall  catch 

With  eager  ear,  the  pleasing  strains  of  truth — 

Soft  music  —  from  his  lip.     He  shall  be  great 

In  sight  of  Him  who  estimates  aright 

Man's  greatness  ;  weighs  in  scales  of  balance  just, 

All  human  claims."    The  preface  sucL,  employed 

To  calm  good  Zacharias'  fears,  in  smooth 

And  gentle  numbers  flowed,  as  streams  of  oil 

O'er  polished  planes  may  run.     His  strength  restored, 

Composure  gained,  he  now  can  hear  from  God 

The  message  superhuman.     Office  kind 

And  necessary.     How  can  man  receive 

Such  visitants  from  Heaven,  and  start  not  back 

With  awe?     To  his  dark  mind  they  mirror  forth 

God's  majesty  and  dread,  as  rays  of  light, 

In  solemn  night,  by  Sol's  bright  counterfeit, 

To  earth  sent  back !     Affected  thus  was  he, 

Who  visions  saw  at  ancient  Ulai's  banks, 

And  Hiddekel's  broad  stream  ;  nor  sense,  nor  strength, 

Regained,  until  the  words,  "  O  man  beloved, 

Fear  not !"  with  angel  sweetness  were  pronounced  !* 

A  reason  clear  to  finite  minds,  why  mind 

*  Daniel  x.  19, 


16 


Eternal,  infinite,  accredits  man 

To  go  on  holy  embassy  to  man, 

From  courts  celestial !     Station  honored  much , 

Exalted  most  on  earth !    Diplomacy 

Of  heaven  —  to  plead  instead  of  Christ,  with  man! 

Compared  with  this,  the  envoyship  of  earth, 

As  molehills  at  the  base  of  Alpine  heights, 

Or  distant  stars  beside  the  orb  of  night, 

Appears!     Engraved  on  truth's  fair  page  we  read, 

If  prophet's  word's  despised,  persuasive  power 

Is  lost,  though  herald  from  departed  shades, 

Should  come,  unfolding  secrets  of  the  dead!* 

Ye  favored  men !  whose  office  holy,  hearts 

Engaged,  what  task  is  yours  !  persuading  man 

To  yield  allegiance  due  to  God,  from  whom 

Revolted !     You  by  power  divine,  perform 

AVhat  God  intends  :     The  labor  yours,  as  means 

Adapted  wise  to  ends  omnipotent ; 

The  glory  His,  and  most  befitting  so  : 

Your  strength,  inadequate  to  work  so  vast ; 

Efficiency  alone  can  come  from  Him ! 

Important  still,  and  glorious  toil,  to  work 

With  God,  and  He  with  you !  accomplishing 

What  angels  can  not  do,  nor  yet  may  know, 

As  known  by  you  .'     What  though  unknown  to  those 

Who  turn  in  pride  away,  reject  with  scorn 

The  message  kind,  and  mark  with  stern  contempt 

Credentials  wise  —  the  cross  you  bear ;  well  known 

Are  ye  to  Him  who  sends  ye  forth,  and  those 

Beloved  of  Him  !    What  though  despised  ;  in  turn 

They  are  despised  of  Him,  and  turned  away 

When  most  they  need,  and  loudest  cry  for  aid ' 

'  Luke  xvi.  31 


17 

Resumed  the  angel :     "  Abstinence  entire 

From  wine  and  stronger  drinks,  in  Him  unmoved. 

An  advocate  shall  find,  whose  precept  pure, 

And  firm  resolve,  as  equals  true,  concur  ! 

He  shall  be  early  with  the  Spirit  filled  : 

A  preparation  for  the  work  of  God 

Designed,  most  gracious  and  magnificent! 

In  deeds  by  Him  performed,  Elijah's  fire 

Shall  be  renewed  ;  his  spirit  roused  ;  his  zeal 

Revived  ;  his  power  exhibited !     For  He 

Shall  reconcile  the  father's  stubborn  heart, 

To  sons  of  cherished  hate  !  and  bitter  foes, 

Of  alienation  long,  in  fond  embrace 

Shall  fold  each  other  close,  as  absent  friends 

Returned,  are  clasped  by  waiting  loved  ones,  home ! 

For  Israel's  seed,  in  numbers  large,  shall  turn 

To  God,  from  sin  ;  to  wisdom  just,  from  folly's  course  ; 

To  true  obedience  back,  from  rebel  ways ! " 

But  Zacharias  questioned  how  the  word, 

With  solemn  sanction  given,  should  be  fulfilled 

In  order  fixed,  legitimate  —  the  course 

Of  nature's  law  appointed.     Stupid  man, 

Forgetful  of  the  power  which  spoke  all  things 

To  being  first,  in  hours  of  unbelief, 

Will  find  some  things  with  God  impossible ! 

To  whom  the  angel  stern  replied  :  "I  stand 

Before  the  Lord!     My  errand  down  to  earth, 

To  make  these  tidings  known  —  and  faithless  thou  ? 

Thy  tongue  its  office  shall  not  do  ;  thy  lips 

Remain  in  silence  closed,  until  the  day 

The  promised  good  shall  be  enjoyed!"    Then  flew 

On  joyful  wing  to  heaven.     The  season  pass'd. 

The  child  was  born  !     The  father's  tongue  unloosed, 

2* 


18 


Redeeming  time  in  silence  passed,  began 

A  strain  of  lofty  praise  to  God :     "  The  God 

Of  Israel  visits  thus  His  chosen  ones, 

Delivering  them  from  foes  of  hatred  deep  ; 

Performing  promises  to  our  fathers  made  ; 

Restoring  back  their  palmy  days  of  good, 

When  Israel  worshipped  Him  in  truth,  and  none 

Could  make  afraid  ;  that  we  may  serve  Him  now, 

In  righteousness  and  holiness  again,  as  when 

Jerusalem  and  Judah  offered  prayer, 

And  sacrifice  acceptable  to  Him, 

And  pleasant  in  the  former  years!     Thou,  child! 

The  prophet  of  the  Highest  called,  shalt  go 

Before  the  face  of  Him  who  comes  to  bless 

The  world  with  joy  unutterable!     Thou, 

Preparing  ways  for  Him,  who  must  prepare 

The  way  for  thee ;  with  joyful  heart  and  tongue, 

Shalt  publish  far,  what  thou,  thyself  hast  learned, 

Not  in  scholastic  halls,  where  science  spreads 

Her  tempting  sweets  to  mental  appetite, 

But  from  above,  by  inspiration  taught, 

Thou  shalt  receive  the  knowledge  of  the  truth — 

The  Spirit's  science — taught  by  Him  who  sits 

A  teacher  wise,  deep  skilled  in  things  divine, 

The  Lord,  omniscient  and  omnipotent! 

To  give  this  knowledge  to  His  people,  thine 

As  organ  of  communication  chosen  ; 

And  instrument  in  hand  divine,  to  make 

A  preparation  wise,  appropriate 

For  more  extended  grace.     'Tis  also  thine, 

As  orbs  opaque  reflect  in  milder  rays 

The  sun's  bright  beams,  to  pour  the  softer  streams 

Of  heavenly  light  on  lands  where  darkness  long 

Has  brooded,  'gendering  blackness  and  despair." 


19 


Who's  thus  address'd?     This  personage,  whose  birth 

Announced  by  herald  angel's  voice  ?     Is  this 

The  Christ?    Elijah  risen?     Expected  messenger  ! 

Elias  promised  !     John  the  harbinger 

Of  Christ!     The  twilight  gray  succeeding  night ! 

The  day  premonished  ;  day-spring  of  a  morn, 

Whose  glories  shall  eclipse  the  mid-day  sun, 

As  when  mad  Saul,  with  threatening  mischief  filled, 

On  hellish  errand  to  Damascus  sent, 

Distressing  saints,  delighting  fiends,  deprived 

Of  sight,  struck  down  to  earth  and  overwhelmed 

With  awe,  with  bursting  heart  for  sin's  reproach, 

With  anxious  soul  for  grace  withheld,  cried  out, 

What  must  I  do  ?    The  porter,  opening  wide 

The  portals  of  religion's  ancient  dome  : 

Long  closed  by  frowardness,  contempt  of  good, 

Rich  blessings — richest  in  the  gift  of  God  — 

Unthought  of,  undervalued  and  despised  ; 

Improved  not  to  his  glory.     Opened  now, 

To  welcome  earth's  expected  guest  from  heaven  ! 

The  voice  — •  a  theme  of  prophet's  lays — of  one 

In  places  solitary,  crying  loud, 

As  thunders  roar,  or  voice  of  him,  who  stands 

On  sea  and  land,  "Let  all  prepare  his  way!* 

Let  mountains  sink,  let  valleys  rise,  let  seas 

Retire,  wide  waters  melt  away,  and  earth 

A  plain  of  vastness  great  become  —  all  earth 

Entire,  quick  changed,  in  richest  beauty  dress'd — 

That  glorious  feet,  with  unobstructed  grace, 

And  dignity  divine,  may  tread  these  yet 

Unhallowed  paths!  "     Is  this  a  fancy  sketch, 

O'erwrought  by  hands  unpracticed  in  the  art, 

Unstudied  and  unskilled  ?     Obtruded  on 

'  Luke,  iii.  5. 


20 


The  sight  by  glaring  tints,  and  harmony 

Despoiled?    Be  not  deceived.     The  picture's  drawn 

By  guided  hand.     A  master's  draft  —  light,  shade, 

And  outline  his  !     Prospective  seen  and  known! 

As  beacon  light  to  mariners  appears 

In  starless  night,  to  guide  them  safe  to  port 

Desired,  so's  light  prophetic  to  the  eye 

Of  christain  faith.     All  prophecy  must  stand, 

Shall  be  fulfilled,  in  Heaven's  appointed  time  ; 

This  now  in  part,  but  then,  all  parts  complete. 

The  day  of  judgment  —  day  of  God,  the  dread 

Of  all  who  love  not  Him  ;  the  truth  denied, 

The  promise  disbelived  by  scoffers  bold, 

In  latter  days  ;  must  first  with  grandeur  come ! 

A  grandeur  awful,  glorious  —  dreadful  day  ! 

The  fiery  advent  must  precede.     The  earth, 

Old  earth,  in  form  must  pass  away  !     The  curse 

Pronouced  for  man's  abuse  of  happiness 

Conferred,  must  be  removed  :     The  early  form 

And  loveliness  of  earth  restored.     What  scenes 

Of  beauty  inexpressible,  will  charm 

The  sense  of  man  renewed  —  capacities 

Unbounded,  unrestrained  enjoyment's  range  ! 

O,  for  a  soul  of  vivid  imagery, 

And  fire,  and  master's  hand,  to  paint  in  bright, 

Enduring  form,  the  beauties,  sparkling,  rich, 

Unparalleled,  which  renovated  earth, 

In  fresh  primeval  state,  will  then  present ! 

Or  which,  far  better,  most  desired  by  minds 

With  truth  enlightened — influence  divine  — 

The  powerful  breathing  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 

To  wraft  me  o'er  the  flowing  tide  of  truth, 

Avoiding  rocks  and  shoals  on  either  hand; 

A  guide  to  follow  inspiration's  track, 


21 

That  as  I  pass  in  rapid  course  along, 

I  may,  in  numbers  sweet  as  harps  of  gold, 

To  music  tuned  by  holy  choirs  above, 

Repeat  in  perfect  strains,  the  glowing  songs, 

Once  sung  by  those  whose  souls  were  fired  by  torch 

Of  Heaven!     The  wilderness  and  desert  lands* 

Shall  blossom  as  the  rose,   (redeemed  from  sin ;) 

Transition,  sudden  as  the  lightning's  gleam, 

From  sterile  gloom,  to  perfect  beauty's  dress  ; 

Assemblages  of  beauties,  skirted  round 

By  beauties  richer  still,  and  dazzling  bright, 

As  rubies'  countless  rays  of  infinite 

Variety.     The  fir,  renowned  of  old, 

Instead  of  thorns  shall  grow  ;  the  myrtle,  fresh 

With  fragrance  sweet  as  morning  flowers  emit, 

In  place  of  briars  come  :     The  barren  grounds, 

By  thirst  parched  up,  where  dragons  lately  dwelt, 

Shall  be  transformed  to  fertile,  grassy  plains, 

With  rushes  interspersed  ;  where  living  streams 

Meandering  through  with  gentle  flow,  shall  lave 

Their  verdant  shores !     Whence  pleasant  myrtle  groves, 

Exhaling  most  delicious  sweets  by  day — 

No  night  shall  intervene —  and  arbors  gay, 

Inviting,  cool,  where  angels  might  repose 

Shall  side  by  side,  continuous  range  the  earth 

Around  !     Fair  paradisean  flowers,  exotic  once, 

But  now  indigenous,  shall  bloom  as  far 

As  customed  eye  can  look,  like  polished  gems 

Of  various  hue,  bright  glittering  o'er  the  plains  ! 

Each  floweret  fanned  by  lambent  breeze,  soft,  pure 

As  angel's  breath  or  balmy  air  of  heaven, 

Beneath  whose  leaves  and  petals  fair,  to  light 

Congenial  spread,  no  deadly  serpent  lurks, 

*  Isaiah  xxxv.  and  IT. 


22 

An  enemy  to  man  !    The  scorching  rays 
Of  noon-tide  suns,  and  mists  of  darker  day, 
As  well  as  shadows  of  the  night,  shall  pass 
As  things  of  other  times,  away  ;  and  light 
Subdued  and  mellow —  sunless  light  of  Heaven — 
O'er  all  the  scene,  from  God,  shall  radiate! 
The  garden  of  the  Lord,  and  He  the  light 
Thereof,  amid  whose  groves  and  arbors  green, 
Bless'd  man,  renewed  in  image  lost,  may  walk 
With  God,  as  Adam  walked  in  Paradise 
With  Him  :  communication  sweet,  ecstatic  bliss, 
And  interchange  of  burning  thought,  impress'd 
By  love  divine,  upon  the  soul,  whilst  here 
Imbodied,  struggling  with  the  flesh,  confined 
In  house  of  clay,  with  organs  physical, 
Adapted  not  to  faculties  redeem'd, 
Capacities  for  bliss  and  God- like  deeds ! 

Then  savage  beasts  shall  be  subdued.     The  wolf," 

The  lamb's  most  dreaded  foe,  voracious,  wild, 

Shall  sleep  among  the  flock  ;  the  tender  kids, 

In  quiet  shall  repose  within  the  grasp 

Of  leopards  fierce,  and  fearful  once  to  man  ; 

Young  lions,  fatlings,  calves — incongruous  group  — 

Together  dwell  as  sportive  children,  young 

And  innocent,  of  kindred  blood  and  name  ! 

The  cow  and  bear  at  one  appointed  crib 

Well  stored,  shall  feed  ;  the  lion,  dreaded  most, 

Because  of  powers  destructive  most  possess'd, 

As  docile  then  shall  be,  as  yielding  ox 

Accustomed  to  the  yoke  :     And  infants  weak, 

Unpracticed  with  the  goad,  shall  guide  them  well, 

As  shepherds  lead  their  flocks !    How  great  the  change ! 

*  Isaiah  xi.  6 


23 


The  serpent  of  his  poison  dispossess'd, 

Destructiveness  in  name,  and  but  in  name, 

Will  then  exist ;  and  dwellers  on  the  earth , 

Excepted  none  —  alas !  how  many  now ! — 

Shall  know  and  love  the  Lord  :     Delighted  most, 

To  hold  communication  with  their  King 

And  Saviour,  such  as  those  redeemed  from  death 

Of  body,  spirit,  both,  enjoy. — Enjoyed 

Alone,  till  then,  by  those  who  sing  the  song 

In  Heaven  peculiar  to  themselves.     Is  this 

Millennial  glory?     Kingdom  of  the  saints, 

A  thousand  years  before  the  Judge  shall  come  f 

The  judgment  first !     Shall  faith  be  found  on  earth* 

When  He  shall  come  ?     Has  He  not  said  that  tares 

With  wheat  together  grow  till  harvest  time? 

The  harvest  of  the  earth,  when  wicked  men, 

Like  vintage  ripe,  are  reaped  of  God,  and  crushed 

As  grapes  are  crushed,  by  his  vindictive  wrath  1 

Dismissed  from  present  waiting  at  the  throne 

Of  Majesty  on  high,  where  joyful  bow, 

With  reverential  awe  and  listening  ear, 

To  catch  divine  command,  ten  thousand  sons 

Of  light,  by  twice  ten  thousand  multiplied, 

Gabriel  returns  to  earth  !     His  errand  great 

And  glorious  !     Heaven  rejoiced  and  man  redeem'd ! 

Now  shrink  to  nothing  back,  and  hide  your  heads 

Ye  mighty  ones  of  earth,  as  reptiles  mean 

From  light  unwelcome  !     Gabriel  pass  them  by ! 

Thy  visit,  long  looked  for,  presaging  much 

Of  God's  intentions,  hitherto  concealed, 

Shut  up  in  secret  cabinet  of  mind 

Eternal ;  big  with  good  or  ill  to  man, 

'  Daniel  vii.  26—27 :    Rev.  xi.  15—18 


24 


Is  not  for  them!     God  looks  upon  the  heart. 

Those  who  commend  themselves,  are  not  approved, 

But  whom  the  Lord  commendeth.     Haste  away 

To  Nazareth.     The  virgin  known  of  God 

And  favored,  waits  thy  coming.     Mary,  blest 

Among  the  fair,  behold  thy  visitant! 

Who,  eager  his  great  message  to  reveal, 

With  gladden'd  haste  begins :     "  Hail  favored  one! 

The  Lord  is  with  thee,  fear  thou  not !     Thou  shalt, 

Through  intercourse  with  God,  the  Holy  Ghost, 

Conceive —  conception  wonderful !  unknown 

To  earth  !     Miraculous,  unique,  sublime  ! 

The  incarnation  of  the  Deity  ! 

God-head  imbodied  !     Heaven  His  presence  void, 

If  fullness  infinite  vacuity 

Can  know,  to  give  rich  plenitude  to  earth! 

Thou  shalt  bring  forth  a  son  —  the  Son  of  God  ! 

To  Him  the  throne  of  David  shall  be  given  ; 

And  He  shall  reign  in  righteousness  and  peace 

O'er  Jacob's  house  forever !  "    Then  away 

The  angel  back  to  Heaven.     By  custom  fixed, 

Ordained  of  God,  and  venerated  long, 

The  virgin  was  espoused  to  a  man  devout 

And  well  disposed,  of  David's  royal  house. 

The  nuptials  yet  unsolemnized,  for  God 

Had  intervened.     His  great  designs,  replete 

With  bliss  to  man —  eternity  of  bliss, 

In  time  commenced,  and  glory  to  himself 

Resulting,  glory  brilliant  most  in  what 

Designed  for  man  —  rich  grace  exemplified, 

Must  first  be  consummated !     Heaven  and  earth 

In  her  must  be  united!     Holy  bans ! 

Enduring  as  eternity!     In  her 

Conjoined  must  God  and  man  j  these  two  in  one  ! 


25 

One  glorious  personage,  with  character 
Conformed  and  nature  not  his  own! 
Assumed,  put  on  as  kings  put  on  disguise ! 
Angelic,  nor  yet  human ;  nor  divine  ; 
But  human  and  divine  united,  one! 
Mystery  sublime!     God  manifest  in  flesh! 
He,  one  in  flesh  with  us,  that  we  with  Him, 
In  spirit  one,  and  nature  might  become ! 

Now  Joseph,  unadvised  of  God's  design, 

Reluctant  stood,  meanwhile  perplexed,  and  mused 

As  one  distress'd,  and  hesitating  much 

With  justice  what,  or  honor  to  himself, 

Or  what  comport  with  claims  of  her  betroth'd, 

Should  then  be  done  ;  nor  could  he  well  decide. 

At  night,  when  sleep  had  sealed  his  eyes,   (not  sense 

For  truth's  reception,)  God,  who  slumbers  not, 

Appeared  in  vision  saying :     "  Fear  not  thou, 

Nor  hesitate.     Take  Mary  to  thyself 

As  spouse  beloved  and  virtuous  as  thyself. 

Miraculous  to  thee  and  wonderful, 

But  not  with  God,  is  what  thou  seest.     The  child 

An  heir  of  God,  and  by  the  Holy  Ghost 

Begotten,  shall  save  from  sin's  accursed  power 

His  chosen  ones  ;  and  Jesus  thou  shall  call 

His  name!"    The  morning  came,  and  with  it  came 

A  brighter  day  for  Joseph.     Doubts  and  fears  — 

The  equipose  of  mind,  distressing  state 

To  all  but  sluggish  souls,  inert  where  most 

Would  be  excited,  active  and  awake 

To  cause  and  sequence,  else  of  import  slight  — 

Were  now  dispelled  by  voice  of  God  to  him 

Addressed,  as  shades  of  thickest  night  dispersed 

Before  the  light  of  day !    Thrice  happy  man ! 

3 


26 


Advised  of  God  in  case  most  critical 

And  difficult  of  choice  !    Domestic  ills, 

With  their  attendant  train  of  woes  accursed, 

Most  cruel  jealousies  and  burning  strifes, 

And  disappointed  hopes,  with  crushed  desires 

Of  early  fancied  bliss,  for  life  involved ! 

But  happy  most  in  choice,  at  God's  command 

Obedient  made.     Allied  to  her  whom  God 

Had  bless'd  —  reputed  father  of  the  Son  ! 

To  be  affianced  thus,  might  Gabriel  wish, 

If  he  could  covet  earthly  bliss,  or  ask 

What  mortals  may  of  God.     Now  Mary's  cup 

Of  pleasure's  filled.     A  cup  no  mortal  drank 

Before,  or  shall.     Ingredients  mixed,  and  well 

Adjusted  to  a  taste  refined  by  grace 

And  intercourse  with  God.     No  good  desire 

Unsatisfied  ;  no  appetite  unfed  ; 

No  thirst  for  living  waters,  deep,  unslaked  ; 

Perfected  bliss!     Attainment  highest  that 

Her  state  can  reach  !     Now  she  seeks,  wisely  seeks, 

As  others  of  her  sex,  a  confidant 

And  friend  of  kindred  blood  and  mutual  choice, 

To  whom  she  may,  with  added  bliss,  (because 

She  may,)  communicate  her  fullest  joy! 

Her  object  fixed  and  mind  established  well, 

With  good  intent  and  buoyancy  of  soul 

She  treads  with  swift  untiring  feet,  the  hills 

And  dales  of  her  loved  native  land  ;  nor  rest, 

Nor  respite  knows  until  that  object's  gained. 

The  way  pursued,  enchanting  to  the  eye, 

In  nature's  wild  profusion  rich.     Bright  meads 

Extending  far,  bedecked  with  dewdrops  fresh, 

Glittering  in  morning  light  as  diamonds'set, 

Or  pearls  in  crowns  of  gold,  by  princes  worn ; 


27 

The  verdant  copse,  now  skirting  wide  the  scene 

Where  feathered  warbles  pour  sweet  melody 

Unmixed,  from  nature's  fount,   (instructed  well 

By  Him  who  guides  their  flight ;)  the  landscape  fair, 

Spread  out  like  painted  fields  of  heathen  fame, 

In  loveliest  view  from  elevations  green, 

Are  passed  unheeded  by  ?    And  soon  the  place 

Desired,  is  near,  and  she  with  beating  heart, 

At  cottage  door  beloved,  in  waiting  stands, 

The  customed  saluation  to  receive. 

The  greeting  welcome,  oft  received  and  given, 

Not  now  received.     Not  one  that  custom  makes 

Respectful  and  expected — greeting  which 

The  Holy  Ghost  inspired  :    "  Hail,  Mary,  blest! 

Of  women  blest  in  what  thou  hast  believed, 

Most  richly  blest,  and  what  received  of  God ! 

The  promise  given  to  thee,  most  gracious,  freely  given, 

Embracing  what  the  prophets  sung,  and  kings 

Have  waited  long  to  see,  shall  be  redeemed. 

Why  am  I  honored  thus  ?     More  honored  far, 

Than  David's  royal  line  of  sceptred  ones, 

To  Zedekiah — last,  till  heir  of  God 

Appointed.     Honor  more  than  man  bestows 

On  fellow  man,  with  pageantry  of  earth, 

In  triumph  given  for  deeds  of  valor  done ; 

Or  visit  royal,  state  and  equipage 

Befitting,  made  to  those  of  equal  grade — 

The  mother  of  my  Lord  hath  come  !"    To  whom 

Responded  Mary,  thus  :     "  My  soul  enlarged, 

Doth  magnify  the  Lord,  as  mediums  fit, 

From  earth's  position  viewed,  do  magnify 

The  orbs  of  heaven!     My  spirit  hath  rejoiced  : 

Unspeakable  my  joy  !     Chosen  of  God, 

In  low  estate,  and  visited  of  Him  ! 


28 


From  hence,  not  only  thou,  but  nations  greatr 

Shall  bless  the  mother  for  the  Son,  more  blest ! 

He,  who  is  mighty  to  subdue  His  foes, 

To  favor  friends,  ordains  it  so.     Holy,  He, 

And  reverend  be  His  name  !     His  mercy  great, 

From  generations  gone  to  end  of  time, 

Is  shown  to  those  who  fear  His  name  ;  not  those 

Who  proudly  soar  in  vain,  imagined  flights, 

Above  their  wingless  fellow  tribes  ;  above 

Whose  grade  they  cannot  soar,  but  ever  doomed 

The  same  —  reality's  degree  —  in  spite 

Of  unavailing  efforts,  madly  made, 

Repeated  oft,  and  still  the  same.     Such  men 

Are  scattered  by  His  arm,  as  lightnings  dread 

Are  scattered  from  the  cloud  ;  as  chaff  is  blown 

Before  the  storm !    In  their  own  net  they're  taken! 

Cast  down  in  guilty,  vain  imaginings ! 

With  triumph  flushed,  where's  yielded  honor  less 

To  victor,  than  to  vanquished.     Triumph  base, 

Infernal,  o'er  the  poor,  enslaved,  oppressed, 

And  friendless  ;  here,  among  the  just  condemn'd, 

Reproachful,  cruel  ;  celebrated  loud 

In  hell,  with  most  malignant  jubilee  I 

His  arm  is  strong  revealed,  in  justice  bared, 

To  humble  those  exalted  ;  raise  to  seats 

Of  power  and  honor,  those  cast  down,  oppressed  : 

To  fill  the  poor  with  good,  and  others  turn  — 

The  rich  and  proud,  who  look  within  themselves 

For  good  —  away,  unsatisfied,  despised !" 

The  King  of  kings,  and  King  invisible, 

By  power  unknown,  contemned,  by  few  confess'd, 

His  sceptre  sways  o'er  earth  as  well  as  heaven. 

Vile  man,  in  all  the  universe,  is  led 

By  hand  unseen—  through  life's  extent,  is  led  — 


29 

On  earth  denied,  in  hell  acknowledged,  felt ! 

His  wrath's  restrained,  and  turned  from  mad  designs 

Against  designs  omnipotent,  divine  ; 

As  proud  Sennacherib  was  turned,  by  hook 

Of  God,  and  led  from  spoil  and  conquest  plann'd 

Against  Jerusalem  !     From  motives  base, 

And  selfish  ends,  man  oft  unwittingly 

Co-operales  with  God,  effecting  what 

His  purpose  fixed,  whose  word  as  pledged  by  man 

Inspired,  in  things  minute  shall  faithful  stand, 

And  prove  His  prescience  clear :  "  Thou  Bethlehem,* 

Of  Judah,  small,  not  least ;  for  out  of  thee 

The  Governor  shall  come,  as  Prince  to  rule 

My  people  well!"     To  this  must  Caesar's  law 

Conform.     0,  monarch  great !  Augustus  named! 

August  thyself,  in  vain  conception  thine  ; 

Ambitious.     Worm  thou  art  in  sight  of  God! 

Thy  great  designs,  encircling  policy 

Of  state  extended  ;  policy  in  which 

The  good  or  ill  of  many  is  involved, 

And  government  of  empire  vast,  of  right 

Administered  ;  thy  splendid  plans  promulged, 

Promote,  unknown  to  thee,  the  cause  of  God! 

Now  Israel's  tributary  host,  oppressed, 

Submissive  to  the  Roman  yoke,  imposed 

As  chastisement  divine,  obedient  each 

To  Caesar's  wide  decree,  repair  to  place 

Respective  natal  origin  and  house, 

To  render  tribute  to  their  king.     A  group 

Of  opposite  varieties  :     The  man 

Of  age  and  judgment  fixed  ;  the  child  of  days 

*  Matthew  ii.  6. 

3* 


30 


And  mind  expansive  ;  volatile  and  staid  ; 

Illiterate  and  learned  ;  polite  and  rude  ; 

The  credulous  and  sceptical ;  the  rich 

And  poor  ;  religious,  irreligious  —  all 

With  one  desire  impell'd.     Among  the  crowd, 

Were  two,  by  higher,  holier  motive  led  ; 

A  modest  pair  intent  to  honor  God, 

By  honoring  His  behest  to  honor  kings ! 

Quite  unobstrusive  they,  and  less  observed, 

Than  those  of  forward  mien.     Unknown  to  most, 

Yet  known  of  God  —  important  links  in  chain 

Of  His  design  to  bless  the  world !     O,  God  ! 

Mysterious  Thou,  and  none  can  trace  Thy  ways  ; 

Thy  home  is  in  the  whirlwind  and  the  cloud, 

Thy  footsteps  trackless,  and  Thy  paths  unknown! 

The  weary  pair  arrive  at  Bethlehem, 

But  luckless,  find  no  room,  where  others  find 

A  goodly  fare,  for  compensation  paid! 

No  costly  lodging  theirs!     No  stately  pomp, 

By  citizens  of  David's  ancient  town 

Displayed,  to  welcome  strangers  eminent 

With  God  !     A  stall  their  lodging  place  !     A  place 

For  cattle  fitted !     Be  astonished  earth, 

Ungrateful  to  your  King  —  Here  Christ  was  born! 

No  furnished  nursery's  attendant  state, 

Nor  splendid  style,  nor  festive  season  gay  ; 

Nor  gratulations  meet,  to  princes  given 

Of  meaner  name,  by  right  of  royalty 

Received  ;  in  adulation  blind  bestowed  ! 

His  pillow  coarse,  the  refuse  straw  ;  His  bed, 

The  manger  rude,  where  oxen  fed !     No  peal* 

Of  acclamation  break  upon  the  ear, 

Nor  demonstrations  joyous  fill  the  air, 

To  mark  the  spot,  and  solemnize  the  deed ! 


31 

Vet  celebrated  round  the  throne  of  God 

And  marked,  an  era  new  to  earth  and  heaven  ! 

The  burning  sun  his  ever  circling  car, 

Down  earth's  declivity  had  rolled  ;  his  light 

Trailing  afar,  bright  gilding  nature's  scenes, 

Had  fled  away  and  left  instead,  the  gloom 

Of  night  to  settle  down  on  Palestine  : 

A  company  of  shepherds  silent  sat, 

And  watched  their  resting  flocks.     They  led  them  forth 

By  day,  to  graze  along  the  streams,  and  feed 

Amid  refreshing  meads  ;  at  night  they  watched 

With  care,  lest  ravening  wolves,  with  eagar  haste, 

Should  waste  their  charge  defenceless  —  image  fit, 

To  shadow  forth  the  Saviour's  care  for  sheep, 

Redeemed  by  him  with  price  of  blood  !     To  these, 

Employed  to  watch  their  flocks  —  the  patriarchs 

Were  such,  and  loved  of  God  —  the  Lord  appeared!    . 

As  when  by  him  on  Patmos  seen,  or  him, 

At  Horeb's  mount ;  the  angel  his,  who  came, 

As  representative  of  Deity ! 

Celestial  light —  the  glory  of  the  Lord, 

Which  rested  on  the  camp  in  cloudy  form, 

And  marked  the  way  by  night,  as  fiery  guide, 

To  marching  Israel's  host  —  His  presence  now 

Revealed  !     As  Moses  at  the  mount  of  God, 

These  men  affrighted,  trembling  stood.     To  whom 

The  angel :     "  Fear  ye  not ;  behold  I  bring 

You  tidings  good  and  joyous  ;  tidings  great ! 

To  earth's  extent  and  end  of  time  embraced, 

By  all  expectants  of  the  promised  good  — 

Messiah's  advent !     Born  to  you  this  day, 

Is  Christ  the  Lord  ;  at  David's  city  born !" 

Then  quick  as  angel's  flight,  the  song  of  Heaven, 

Was  thence  transferred  to  earth  :  A  multitude 


32 


Of  heavenly  habitants  were  praising  God, 

In  notes  celestial  ;  grateful  to  the  ear 

Of  Him  whose  praise  they  sing.     Anthem  of  God  ! 

Sung  before  time  began  ;  again,  when  earth, 

From  chaos  rose,  in  Eden's  beauty  dress'd  ; 

And  now,  with  added  notes  of  harmony, 

Revised  in  Heaven!     Angelic  choir  on  earth! 

Ye  shepherds  wonder  !     Mountains  echo  back 

The  sounds  seraphic !     Hark  !     How  exquisite 

The  strains !  as  thunders,  loud  ;  as  trumpets,  shrill  ; 

Yet  soft  as  breath  of  God,  they  roll  along, 

As  sweetly  borne,  in  peals  successive  borne 

Upon  the  midnight  air  !     The  counterpart 

Was  sung  in  Heaven  ;  harmonious  sung,  by  all 

The  sons  of  God,  with  those  of  earth  ;  in  this 

Alone  harmonious  :     The  occasion  fit, 

To  wake  the  slumbering  lyres  of  Heaven  ;  so  long 

By  sins  of  earth  imposed  to  silence  dread, 

Because  no  door  of  hope  was  opened  there 

For  guilty  man !     Ye  holy  choirs  of  God  ! 

Reserve  your  songs  for  triumphs  of  his  Son  : 

Triumphs  which  soon  shall  wake  the  songs  of  earth, 

For  man  shall  join  in  concert  with  yourselves  ; 

Eternal,  joyous  concert  j  once  commenced 

Shall  never  cease,  but  each  continuous  note, 

Original,  add  interest  to  the  whole  ! 

His  praise  deserved,  appropriate,  ye  well 

Have  sung  ;  His  glory  seen  by  you  above  ; 

To  Him  ye  bowed  and  hallelujahs  sung, 

Before  He  left  the  throne  to  dwell  with  man ! 

The  burden  of  this  song,  unknown,  unsung 
On  earth  before,  was  sung  to  celebrate 
A  day  of  peace  and  glory  to  the  world ! 


33 

From  Abel's  death  —  the  martyr  first,  who  fell 

By  brother's  hand  accursed,  the  work  of  hell 

On  earth  commenced  —  till  now,  Messiah's  birth, 

The  blood  of  murderous  murdered  sires,  has  cried 

From  thirsty  grounds,  which  drank  its  flowing  streams 

And  garnered  them  as  witness  of  their  deeds, 

For  vengeance  on  the  sons  !     Thus,  earth,  enriched 

With  blood  of  man,  has  reaped  a  harvest  ripe, 

Of  wars  successive,  murders  multiplied, 

And  horrors  dire,  as  fruit  legitimate  ! 

No  hostile  legions  now  with  heavy  tread, 

Moving  to  meet  the  hated  foe,  shall  shake 

The  solid  earth,  or  sweep  like  autumn's  storms, 

With  angry  blast,  o'er  cultured  plains  ;  nor  dread 

Imperial  hosts  with  vengeance  fired,  march  forth 

Against  provincial  foes  —  enslaved  at  most, 

Not  conquered  j  won  by  friendship,  not  by  chains  — 

But  Peace,  like  mercy's  angel,  winged  in  heaven, 

Delighted  spreads  her  pinions  o'er  the  earth ! 

From  old  Euphrates  to  Atlantic's  shore, 

No  cry  to  arms  alarms  the  timid  soul, 

Or  courage  frantic  breathes  in  bolder  hearts ! 

No  martial  bugle  breaks  the  quiet  air, 

With  strains  of  dissonance  to  earth  and  heaven, 

Which  rudely  give  the  fearful  note  of  war  — 

Of  havoc  wild,  and  thousands  slain  ;  for  Peace 

Her  olive  sceptre  holds,  and  earth  obeys ! 

The  temple  consecrate  to  Peace  at  Rome  — 

Strange  offering  for  a  nation  bred  to  arms  — 

Is  closed,  betokening  good!     "  Pacific  age  !" 

The  adumbration  of  Messiah's  reign ! 

If  ought  of  earthly  policy,  or  state, 

May  show  the  glories  of  that  kingdom  forth, 

Where  peace  of  God,  from  him  derived,  begets 


34 


As  motive  pure,  each  thought,  each  bosom  swells, 
As  spring  impulsive  moves  all  hearts  to  deeds 
Of  love  and  joy,  and  holy  consonance ! 

The  shepherds  heard  the  message  sent  from  God 
And  pondered,  as  did  Mary,  what  they  heard. 
A  Saviour  born!  at  Bethlehem!  the  Christ, 
Whose  advent  once  was  sung  by  bards  of  old ! 
This  truth,  so  strange,  communicated  thus, 
Aroused  their  torpid  minds  to  active  state, 
And  energy  determinate.     As  when 
By  martial  music  roused,  the  war-horse  trained, 
To  battle  leaps  impetuous  ;  so  haste 
These  men  to  Bethlehem,  where  Jesus  lay! 
Their  flocks  were  left  in  care  of  Him  who  cares 
For  all,  and  provident  for  all  in  wide 
Creation's  range,  from  insects  small,  that  hum 
His  praise  in  groveling  strains,  to  angels  high, 
Who  strike  the  lyres  of  God.     Their  thoughts 
Were  turned  to  Him  the  chief  of  shepherds  born, 
And  sheep  of  pasture  His.     The  Spirit  taught 
Them  thus  to  think,  and  led  them  to  the  place 
Announced.     The  infant  Saviour  there  they  saw  ! 
Their  eyes  with  rapture  lingered  on  the  babe  — 
The  embryo  perfections  of  their  Lord — 
As  on  some  scene  enchanting  !    Nor  could  they 
Well  forbear  ;  innocence,  nay,  Heaven  itself 
Was  pictured  there,  in  lineament  and  form ! 
The  smile  of  love,  unearthly  love,  played  round 
His  lip  of  rosy  sweetness,  as  soft  winds 
Around  earth's  gayest  blossoms  ;  and  His  eye 
Expressive,  beamed  with  new  delight,  by  man 
Not  understood,  by  angels  seen,  not  known- 
Delight  to  do  his  Father's  will  —  to  live 


35 


On  earth  a  life  of  sorrow,  sorrow  more 

Than  man  can  suffer  or  conceive  ;  to  die 

A  death —  that  death,  can  pencil  paint,  or  pen 

Describe?  accursed,  glorious  death  ;  of  man 

Reproached,  of  God  exalted,  glorified  ! 

They  gazed  and  felt,  and  caught  the  glow  of  Heaven  f 

And  then  returned,  rejoicing  as  they  went, 

Ascribing  praise  to  God,  and  glory  new ! 

The  consequence  as  constant  as  the  cause 

Unvarying,  they  published  what  they  saw. 

As  Philip,  when  he  found  the  one  of  whom 

The  prophets  wrote,  to  others  said,  "  Come  see  !" 

The  woman  to  Samaria's  sons,  when  she 

The  Saviour  saw  and  heard  at  Jacob's  well, 

"  Come  see  the  man  ;"  so  every  one  who  sees 

And  hears  the  Son  of  God  with  faith,  will  ope 

For  God,  his  mouth,  and  speak  for  Him,  in  praise 

Of  grace  bestowed,  and  life  received  ;  for  this 

Is  life,  to  know  Jehovah  and  His  Son  ! 

The  joyful  parents,  grateful  to  their  God, 
Present  with  prudent  haste,  the  child  to  Him,* 
As  was  required  by  law  which  Moses  gave  : 
That  first  born  males  were  holy  to  the  Lord 
And  His  peculiar  sons,  unless  redeemed 
By  price  determined  ;  and  exempted  thence 
From  service  Levi's  sons  performed  by  choice 
Of  God,  instead  of  those  first  sanctified 
To  Him,  and  ransomed  from  Egyptian  chains. t 
The  Son  of  God  was  sanctified  to  Him 
For  service  none  but  He  could  do !     No  price, 
Or  ransom  paid,  exemption  claims  for  Him 
From  gracious  work  man's  lost  estate  requires. 

*  Exodus  xiii-  2.  t  Numbers  viii.  14—18- 


36 

Nor  would  He  seek  exemption,  where  accrues 

No  privilege,  but  privilege  to  yield 

Subjection  —  liability  engaged 

By  Him, 'in  covenant  eternal  made. 

His  work,  to  magnify  the  law  of  God,* 

By  passive  sufferance  first,  obedience  then, 

And  voluntary.     Jesus  was  redeemed, 

As  first-born  sons  from  priestly  service  due. 

Made  under  law  and  subject  to  the  law, 

In  Him  the  law  must  be  fulfilled,  and  have 

Through  Him.  for  righteousness,  an  end  to  all 

Believers  in  His  name  —  those  justified 

Of  God,  acquitted  thus  through  perfect  grace .' 

Now  Simeon  blest,  a  man  devout  and  just, 

Who  waited  long  for  Israel's  hope  and  joy, 

Was  by  the  Spirit  led  to  approach  the  courts 

Of  God,  where  sacrifice  was  offered  up 

To  Him  for  Jesus'  sake  —  the  customed  gift, 

For  sons  redeemed.     To  him  it  was  revealed 

That  he  should  see  the  Christ  before  his  death 

Should  come,  though  aged  then,  and  feebly  burned 

The  lamp  of  Ife !     He  took  the  child  and  said  — 

He  spoke  as  one  inspired  of  God  :     "  Now  let 

Thy  servant,  Lord,  depart  in  peace,  as  Thou 

Hast  said.     I  have  Thy  great  salvation  seen, 

As  man's  desires,  and  great  as  Thou  art  great ! 

Where  man  is  lost,  where  sin  is  found,  as  wide 

As  heaven  and  deep  as  hell  ;  to  ends  of  earth 

Extended.     Light  of  God  to  lighten  man  ; 

Prepared  before  the  face  of  all,  to  shine 

On  all  the  Gentile  lands,  neglected  long 

And  far  from  God,  as  well  as  Jews  brought  nigh  ; — 

'  Numbers  zviii.  15—16 :    Lake  ii.  24. 


37 

Those  favored  long  with  oracles  divine. 
The  book  of  God  and  sacrifices  blest, 
Communications  new  and  prophets  wise, 
To  point  the  way  to  Him.     The  far  off  now 
Brought  near,  shall  be  the  heirs  of  life  with  Christ!" 

The  parents  wondered  much  at  what  was  said 

Of  Him,  their  Son.     The  good  man  blest  them  both, 

Then  to  the  mother  said  :     "A  sword  shall  pierce 

Thee  through,  when  He  by  wicked  hands  is  slain! 

Then  shall  thou  feel  a  mother's  love  —  a  love 

Excessive,  not  misplaced,  on  such  a  Son — 

As  daggers  piercing  through  thy  soul !     Then  thou 

Shalt  see  Him,  not  as  Son  of  God  by  faith, 

For  thee  expiring  ;  but  thy  own  dear  Son, 

By  brutal  men  destroyed !     And  faultless  He  ; 

Destroyed  to  gratify  malicious  foes  ! 

Thy  heart  shall  bleed,  but  He,  the  Son  of  God 

Shall  hold  thee  up  and  bind  thy  broken  heart ! 

He  shall  be  spoken  of  as  sign  of  ill,* 

And  omen  of  the  nation's  fall !     By  Him 

Shall  many  fall  in  Israel ;  others  rise. 

The  first  be  last,  and  last  be  first :     For  last 

Shall  Israel  rise  again.     Rejected  first, 

For  first  rejecting  Him  ;  received  again, 

The  living  from  the  dead  !     Their  fulness  hence, t 

When  Gentile  fulness  ends,  and  blindness  long  — 

Judicial  curse  for  imprecations  bold 

And  blasphemous  —  shall  be  removed  ;  the  veil 

Taken  off,  and  they  with  joy  behold  their  own 

Messiah  as  he  is !     Dispersed  and  peeledj 

Among  the  nations  round,  as  God  hath  said, 

'  Luke  ii.  34.  t  Rom.  xi.  ch.  J  Deut.  xxx.  1—10. 

4 


38 


They  shall  be  gathered  thence  in  latter  days, 

And  settled  on  their  old  estates — the  land 

Their  fathers  occupied.     To  Abra'm  promised  first. 

And  to  his  seed,  in  generations  theirs,* 

To  end  of  time  !    Then  will  He  be  their  God 

Again,  forever  theirs !     Dispersed  no  more ! 

Reproached  no  more!     Their  day  of  glory  come  !  "t 

The  old  man  ended  here,  his  message  sealed, 

And  calmly  waited  for  the  approach  of  death  I 

What  scenes  of  novel  joy  will  greet  the  eye  ! 

New  beauties  rise  along  the  ancient  plains, 

In  quick  succession  rise,  like  shifting  scenes 

In  fancied  dramas  painted  !     Barren  lands^ 

Grown  rich  and  fertile,  tilled  again  and  sown  ; 

As  Eden  yielding  fragrant  flowers,  and  more 

Substantial  fruit ;  new  cities  built,  unwalled  § 

And  safe,  with  neither  bars  nor  gates  to  ward 

The  foe  ;  Jerusalem  inhabited 

Again  in  former  place,  and  called  the  throne 

Of  God  ;  the  holy  place,  where  tribes  devout 

Shall  worship  Him  in  truth,  through  Christ  His  Son! 

The  sons  of  strangers  then  shall  build  their  walls,  || 

And  dress  their  vines  ,-  come  bending  at  their  feet, 

In  servile  office  waiting  !  Robb'd  of  them 

Before,  they  robb'd  in  turn,  shall  minister 

To  wants  of  those  they  crushed  !    They  shall  not  plant  * 

And  others  eat  j  to  them  again  the  vine 

Shall  yield  its  fruit  nutritious.     Safely  they 

Shall  dwell  and  safely  worship  God,  in  form 

And  pattern  primitive  —  the  church  of  Christ,** 

*  Gen.  xvii.  8.  §  Ezk.  xxxvii.  11.  IT  Isaiah  Ixv.  21-22. 

t  Ezk.  xxxvi.  |  Isaiah  be.  10.  **  Jerem.  iii.  15-18 

t  Ezk.  xxxvi.  8-12. 


39 

Apostles  built !     Then  men  of  heathen  name, 

Of  languages  and  nations  far,  shall  hold 

The  skirts  of  hasting  Jews  with  deadly  grasp,, 

Whilst  they  imploring  say,  "  We'll  go  with  you 

To  repossess  the  land  —  there  God  shall  dwell  !"* 

The  jubilee  to  Israel  promised  long  ; 

To  Gentiles  never  !  blessings  which  these  now 

Enjoy,  and  richly,  end  when  glorious  daysf 

To  Jews  commence  !    The  Saviour's  looked  for  reignt 

On  earth,  is  promised  where,  before  the  Lord 

As  Judge  shall  come?    Earth's  jubilee  entire, 

When  anti-Christ  shall  cease !     The  prophet  false, 

And  beast  shall  fall,  the  judgment  set,  and  they 

In  righteous  sentence  doomed,  together  writhe 

And  rage,  eternal  in  the  burning  lake  ! 

And  then  shall  sound  the  trump  of  God,  the  trump§ 

Of  final  doom  to  man  ;  and  voices  great, 

In  heaven  proclaim  the  universal  reign 

Of  Christ !     Till  then  shall  Satan  live  ;  nor  taste 

The  second  death  prepared,  until  this  day 

Of  glory's  passed — the  thousand  years  of  peace 

On  earth !     But  shorn  of  strength,  and  glory  spoiled, 

As  chieftain  dread  of  hellish  hosts,  no  power 

Shall  then  possess  to  push  the  nations  on 

To  fierce  encounter!     Swords  to  ploughshares  turned, || 

Shall  pierce  the  soil  instead  of  man,  and  spears 

To  hooks,  the  vine  shall  dress,  nor  drink  man's  blood 

Again,  till  Satan  loosed  from  prison  comes  ; 

And  comes  to  those,  who  dwell  in  Gentile  lands, 

To  urge  them  on  to  war  and  spoil  desired  ! 

Then  ploughshares  back  to  swords,  and  hooks  to  spears, 

Those  instruments  of  death,  shall  quick  be  changed, 

•  Zeck.  viii.  23.  J  2  Tim.  iv.  1.     II  Joel  iii.  10,  and  Isaiah 

*  Dcut.  xxx  7 :  Hosea  iii.  4-5.  §  Rev.  xi.  15.          ii.  4. 


40 

And  hosts  untold  of  mighty  men,  as  led 

By  him,  shall  march  against  Jerusalem  !* 

With  martial  pomp  and  warlike  dread,  shall  come 

In  long  and  threatening  lines  drawn  out,  as  when 

A  cloud  of  wide  extent  and  big  with  storm  — 

The  lightning's  flash  and  distant  thunder's  roar — 

Rising  with  tempest's  flight,  begets  deep  fear 

And  quailing  horrors  in  the  soul !     The  last 

Great  armament  of  earth  !     Earth's  strength  combined 

Against  Almighty  God  aad  Israel's  host  I 

The  city  aad  the  camp  of  saints  beloved, 

They  will  intrench —  encouraged  by  what's  gained  — 

To  daring  fight  and  desperation  bold  ! 

But  God  shall  fight  for  Israel:  Weapons  aimed 

At  those  He  loves,  shall  turn  aside,  or  fall 

As  harmless  down  as  leaves  of  autumn  fall 

To  earth's  soft  bosom,  shaken  by  the  wind  ; 

For  He  shall  rain  upon  their  bands,  from  heavenf 

An  overflowing  storm  of  hailstones  great, 

And  fire  with  brimstone  mingled !     They  shall  fall  — 

Their  hosts  entire,  upon  the  mountain  tops, 

A  prey  for  ravening  beasts —  the  sacrifice 

Of  God  for  them  !     Here  ends,  forever  ends, 

The  power  of  earth  and  hell  to  strive  with  God ! 

*  Ezk.  xxxviii.  *  Ezk.  xxxviii.  22 :    Rer.  xx.  9 


SATAN  CONQUERED,  dec. 
BOOK   II. 


And  the  child  grew  tmd  waxed  strong  in  spirit,  filled  with 
Wisdom  ;  and  the  Grace  of  God  was  upon  Him. 

LUKE  ii.  40 

Though  he  were  a  Son,  yet  learned  He  obedience. 

HEB.  v.  a 

For  it  became  Him    *    *    *    *    to  make  the  Captain  of 
their  salvation,  perfect  through  suffering. 

MSB    ii.  10. 


BOOK    II. 


THOU  God  of  Jacob,  thee  I  now  invoke ! 

Impress  Thy  truth  upon  my  heart,  for  truth 

I  sing ;  all  else  is  chaff  Thy  breath  shall  drive 

Away.     All  guises  false  shall  thou  tear  off 

From  truth  essential,  as  habiliments 

Of  man's  invention,  clothing  that  which  needs 

No  clothing  ;  naked  best  and  beautiful 

Appears  to  Thee.     With  simple  truth  my  heart 

Impress,  that  unadorned  emissions  thence 

May  come  to  touch  the  heart.     Enlighten  Thou 

My  mind,  and  guide,  that  I  may  walk  in  paths 

Thy  word  has  marked.     In  heavenly  light  may  walk, 

And  others  trace  the  footsteps  clear  of  Him 

Who  goes  before  ;  nor  deviate  in  all 

The  way  that  leads  through  Christ  to  Thee.     Of  Thee 

Thy  truth  is  honored ;  man  for  holding  truth. 

The  truth  let  me  not  sink  by  this  attempt 

At  verse  unpolished  by  the  rules  of  art  ; 

But  me  inspire  and  elevate  my  strains, 

Unworthy  else  of  such  a  theme.     As  barks 

Ill-formed,  whose  shadows  rude  in  mirrored  face 

Of  waters  seen,  are  carried  o'er  the  deep, 

And  yet  no  trace  remains  ;  so  would  I  pass 

Through  depths  profound  and  oceans  vast,  and  leave 

The  truth's  unruffled  surface  still  behind  ! 

For  I  would  sing  of  Christ,  my  Lord  :  On  earth 

Would  sing,  and  sing  in  heaven  !     But  chiefly  now, 

The  path  He  trod  from  infant  days  of  peace, 

To  manhood's  rugged  years  and  thorny  ways ! 


44 


The  prophets,  bards  of  God,  His  praises  sung. 

And  distant  nations  caught  the  strains  inspired." 

As  round  the  world  they  rolled!     The  classic  bards, 

With  feeble  light  and  mimic  song,  attuned 

Their  harps  to  praise  of  Him  unknown — the  one 

To  come,  and  usher  in  a  golden  age ! 

And  wise  men  too,  expectants  stood  :  by  faith 

Or  half  imagined  hope,  they  looked  for  One 

Of  wisdom  great  and  royal  power,  to  found 

By  right,  a  school,  which  as  a  fountain  pure, 

Should  send  its  streams  of  true  philosophy 

Surpassing  theirs,  to  heal  the  world  !     They  saw 

His  star,  the  guiding  star  of  God,  and  came] 

Inquiring  where  the  Christ  was  born  —  the  King 

They  came  to  worship  !     Bowed  before  Him  then 

And  offered  frankincense  and  gold,  and  myrrh 

To  Him,  who  needs  nor  wealth,  nor  gold  ;  but  thus 

They  worshipp'd.  blindly  worshipp'd  Him.  their  Lord, 

Who  asks  alone  the  homage  of  the  heart ! 

Where  this  withheld,  all  else  of  sacrifice 

Is  vain  and  hypocritical ;  to  Him 

Disloyal  and  unjust,  as  offered  bribe, 

Insulting  to  His  majesty  and  truth! 

Now  Herod  troubled,  and  Jerusalem  — 
By  Satan  moved  to  jealousy  and  hate  — 
Behold  in  Him  a  certain  rival  born  j 
Competitor  for  regal  honors,  such 
As  earth  bestows  !     Mistaken  men  !    Praise  more 
Exalted,  and  of  nobler  name,  demands 
From  Him  attention ;  kingly  honor's  grade, 
Above  mock  majesty  of  earth,  as  God 

*  Rom.  x.  13 


Above  the  meanest  creature  formed!     Aspire 

To  Herod's  throne  He  could  not  — stained  with  blood  ! — 

Though  King  of  Jews  was  born  and  Heir  of  right ! 

Polluted,  guilty  honors !     Thrones  and  powers 

And  principalities  are  His  !     His  throne 

Eternal !     Hence  the  Spirit  to  Him  thus  : 

(t  Thy  throne,  O  God,  forever,  ever  stands: 

A  sceptre  Thine  of  righteousness  and  truth  ; 

These  hast  Thou  loved,  iniquity  despised, 

So  God  annointed  Thee  with  gladdening  oil, 

Above  the  kings  of  earth !     In  perfect  form 

The  worlds  by  Thee  were  made,  and  supple  wing'd, 

To  speed  through  airy  fields  their  onward  flight! 

They  all  shall  perish  ;  feeble  grow  with  age, 

Their  fashion  change,  their  glories  fade  away ! 

But  Thou,  nor  age,  nor  change  shall  know  !     Thy  years 

As  deep,  unfathomed  seas,  eternal  flow!"* 

Vain  man,    to  fancy  Him  a  rival  born  ! 

How  vain !     Guilty  and  fearful,  deep  perplexed, 

Like  others  of  his  fellows,  sinful  men, 

Not  quiet  on  their  thrones,  he  asked  of  scribes 

And  others  skilled  in  prophet's  word,  where  Christ 

Must  be ;  and  strictly  bade  the  wise  men  search, 

And  diligent,  till  Him  they  found,  that  He 

Might  sacrifice — not  worship — sacrifice 

The  Lord  himself !     Presumptuous  man !     Would  blast 

Earth's  brightest  hopes,  untune  the  harps  of  heaven, 

And  wake  the  jarring  notes  of  joy  in  hell ! 

But  him  shall  God  despise  and  disappoint ! 

The  wise  men  sought  and  found.     The  King  of  kings 

They  worshipp'd,  and  returned.     So  him  they  mocked, 

Nor  did  what  he  required.     Now  Herod  roused 

•  fleb.  i.  8-12. 


46 

To  anger  fierce,  as  greedy  lion  robbed 

Of  prey,  sends  out  his  myrmidons  to  slay 

With  cruel  hands  the  babes  of  Bethlehem  ! 

Who,  innocent,  knew  ill  nor  good,  nor  had 

But  then  plurality  of  years  attained, 

As  greatest  age ;  above  they  did  not  go, 

But  downward  thence  to  infants  born !     What  scenes 

Of  horror  meet  the  eye,  and  wring  the  heart ! 

Enraged,  these  slaves  of  Herod's  lust,  and  slaves 

To  lust  their  own  as  well  —  foul  fiends  disguised 

In  manhood's  form,  with  devilish  minds  intent, 

By  sins  long  practised — blackest  deeds  of  blood 

Emboldened  —  enter  dwellings  where  till  now, 

No  fear  of  ills  at  hand,  the  inmates'  hearts 

Had  ever  filled ;  here  snatch  from  mother's  arms 

And  fond  embrace,  the  clinging  child,  to  death 

Consigned!     Unhappy  mothers !  doomed  to  see 

Their  children  torn  from  them  and  slain,  by  men 

(If  men  they  were,  I  blush  to  call  them  such,) 

Of  iron  hearts,  with  whom  nor  tears,  nor  prayers 

Prevail !     Thrice  happy  babes  !  from  all  the  ills 

Of  life  at  once  removed !     Nor  bless'd  in  this 

Alone  —  for  Christ's  sake  slain,  for  Christ's  sake  bless'd. 

As  martyrs,  though  unconscious  they  in  works 

Or  faith,  and  passive  in  the  deed !     A  voice 

Is  heard  in  Ramah  !    Mother's  frantic  moan* 

And  wailing  loud,  for  children  gone !     In  this 

Is  seen  the  word  prophetic.     Rachel  dead  — 

Her  tomb  was  there  —  seemed  weeping  then,  instead 

Of  mothers  crushed,  bereaved  and  comfortless, 

Address'd  of  God:  "  Refrain  thy  voice,  thy  eyes 

Refrain  from  tears  ;  the  enemy  shall  hold 

Thy  babes  imprisoned  long,  but  smiling  hope 

'  Jeremiah  xxxi.  15 :— Match,  ii.  17-13 


47 


The  end  shall  crown  —  Thy  loved  ones  shall  return/" 
Thus  Satan  stood,  the  Old  Dragon  named  in  word 
Apocalyptic  ;  ready  stood,  with  jaws 
Distended  wide,  and  hellish  appetite 
Voracious,  to  devour  the  child  when  born! 

'  Twas  night  in  Eastern  lands,  and  such  a  night, 

Aside  from  incidents  important,  strange  — 

Economy  of  God,  unfolded  there  — 

As  oft  they  saw  :     But  now  among  the  stars 

The  cloudless  moon,  in  queenly  majesty 

Looked  down  on  Bethlehem  ;  benignly  look'd 

As  on  the  scene  of  God's  great  drama,  laid 

On  earth,  to  end  in  heaven  !     Attracting  now 

The  gaze  intense  of  sainted  hosts  above, 

And  vast  concentred  energies  of  mind 

Eternal !     Joseph  then,  unconscious  quite 

Of  danger  nigh — for  who  could  dream  that  he 

Need  fear  the  tyrant's  hate  ?  —  in  quiet  slept, 

When  God  in  vision  came  and  turned  his  thoughts 

To  heavenly  musing  !     Warned  of  him  —  but  not 

Alarmed  —  that  Herod  sought  the  young  child's  life  ! 

And  straitly  charged  to  flee  in  haste  away 

From  pending  ills !     So  Joseph  quick  arose, 

Nor  waited  for  the  welcome  morn,  but  fled 

To  Egypt  safe,  with  Mary  and  the  child  ! 

Prohibited  return  till  Herod's  death  ; 

For  him  did  God  abhor  as  wicked  man, 

For  fiendish  acts  and  persecutions  oft, 

Against  his  people  done  !     Nor  this  alone, 

As  hypocritical  and  vain  in  works 

Of  piety  pretended  !     Ardent  love 

Of  fame  posthumous  ;  pride,  the  motive  base, 

(Not  love  to  God,  the  motive  pure  and  bless'd,) 


Induced  the  work  of  magnitude,  by  him 

Performed,  and  consecrate  to  God  most  High  ! 

The  temple  —  glorious  edifice — rebuilt, 

Adorned  with  gold  and  evil  treasured  wealth  ; 

Amass'd  by  power  and  cankered  by  the  tears 

And  blood  of  those  oppress'd  ;  so  deep  and  dark, 

No  acts  devotional  of  outward  show 

Can  wipe  the  stain  away  ;  but  witness  true 

At  judgment  day  shall  stand,  and  speak  for  God, 

In  justice  of  his  deep  damnation  fixed  ! 

God's  holy  anger  now,  like  waters  pent, 

Accumulated  long,  with  whelming  force 

And  fury  burst,  to  sweep  from  earth  the  man 

Who  dared  to  persecute  his  infant  Son ! 

Anon  disease,  disgusting,  foul  disease, 

With  horrid  feature  came,  and  threatening  mien, 

As  strong  man  armed,  to  attack  the  citadel 

Of  life  !     A  raging  fire  by  process  slow 

His  vitals  burned.     A  fire  which  lived  by  what 

It  fed  on  —  appetite  unsatisfied  ; 

Demanding  food  as  fuel  to  the  flame, 

And  yet  unsatisfied  :  but  burning  more, 

The  more  was  fed,  till  all  consumed !     So  died 

This  wretched  man,  an  enemy  to  God  ! 

Then  Joseph  came  with  Mary  and  the  child 

To  Nazareth  ;  that  he  a  Nazarene 

Should  thence  be  called,  as  prophet's  word  foretold.* 

As  eastern  sages  bowed  to  Jesus,  King, 
So  must  their  wisdom  bow  to  Him.     "  The  world 
By  wisdom  knew  not  God."    A  teacher  sent 
From  Him  and  qualified  by  Him,  must  come 
To  teach  the  way  to  Him  ;  instructed  well 
*  Math.  ii.  23. 


49 

And  trained  in  school  of  God.     Philosophy 
Unsanctified,  did  oft  o'erleap  its  bounds. 
(For  sound  philosophy  its  circle  had, 
Of  truth  and  usefulness  to  man  ;)  assume 
The  place  of  revelation  pure,  and  claim 
To  teach  instead  of  God,  how  happiness 
Could  be  attained  on  earth,  and  how  attained 
In  heaven!     So  turning  from  the  path  which  God 
Designed,  and  lighted  by  His  providence 
And  truth  —  the  only  way  to  eminence, 
Of  good  report  with  Him,  and  valued  high  ; 
And  usefulness,  and  all  that's  loved  of  Him 
On  earth  —  it  madly  plunged  its  votaries  down 
The  darkest  maze  of  thought  perplex'd,  and  thought 
Disparted  from  its  hand-maid  sense,  and  thought 
Refined  by  contact  with  its  kindred  thought, 
Without  external  test  of  sober  things  ; 
Till  whelm'd  at  last  in  vortex  vast  of  vain 
Abstractions,  endless  as  the  unfathomed  pit, 
Whence  none  could  e'er  return  to  reason's  light, 
Or  light  of  God  ;  but  rayless  night  their  doom 
Unending  !     Final  doom  of  all,  who  cast 
From  them  the  truth  of  God,  and  follow  guides 
Of  unassisted  reason's  choice !     But  what 
Was  strange  and  unaccountable  to  those, 
Who  held  the  lamp  of  truth,  and  saw  in  light 
Divine,  the  way  they  trod  ,•  such  men  seemed  pleased 
With  darkness  more  than  light ;  with  falsehood,  more 
Than  truth  ;  with  vain  imagined  proofs  in  place 
Of  inference  fair,  or  logical  induction  made, 
As  sequence  strong  !     And  when  the  darkness  came 
They  thought  'twas  light.     And  what  was  truth,  to  them 
Sheer  falsehood  seemed  :  So  when  philosophy 
That's  worth  the  name,  on  speedy  wing  did  flee 
5 


50 


Their  grasp,  they  knew  it  not.     When  wisdom  fled 

And  virtue  fled,  they  bolder  grew,  and  claimed 

All  wisdom,  virtue,  and  acquaintanceship 

With  God!     Thus  whilst  professing  wisdom  theirs-, 

And  virtue  theirs,  excluding  others  else, 

Whom  they  discipled  not,  the  Lord  pronounced 

Them  fools,  and  mocked  their  efforts  weak 

To  find  Him  out,  because  in  haughtiness 

Of  heart  and  mind,  with  empty  knowledge  pufPd, 

They  closed  their  eyes  against  the  light  He  gave  ! 

Of  Atheist  stamp  were  some,  who  stoutly  held 

And  loud  proclaimed,  that  God's  fair  universe 

From  atoms  came  fortuitous ;  and  formed 

Itself  with  shape  designed  —  intelligence 

Impress'd  —  as  'tis  to  observation  clear, 

Of  minds  untangled  with  such  madmen's  creeds. 

They  did  not  firm  deny  the  gods  a  place 

In  their  divinity,  yet  thought  them  weak 

And  unacquainted  with  the  affairs  of  man  ; 

Or  unconcerned  about  his  state.     And  taught 
That  souls  were  mortal  too,  like  bodies  born, 

And  so  to  death  were  subject  and  decay  ! 

Suppose  this  dogma  true  ;  then  what  is  man  ? 

A  worm  !     Yes,  less  than  worm !     For  its  brief  day 

Is  o'er  in  shorter  space.     In  labor  less, 

And  less  amount  of  evil  here  endures! 

A  worm  as  he  is  mortal  is  confess'd, 

And  kindred  owns  with  habitants  of  dust  t 

Immortal  too  in  mind  ;  in  principle 

Allied  to  Heaven,  and  to  infinity 

Allied !     With  angel  flight  he  soars  above 

Material  things,  and  claims  affinity 

With  God !     Who  immortality  alone 

Doth  claim  essential  to  himself,  but  breathed 


At  first  the  gift  in  man  —  a  living  soul ! 

Fit  deity  for  worshippers  so  blind  : 

Who  sought  as  highest  good,  indulgence  base 

Of  animal  desire !     At  whose  low  shrine 

Must  virtue  minister  ;  nor  be  pursued, 

But  as  it  pleasure  gave,  and  gave  reward 

To  appetite,  or  lust  ungratified  ! 

Nor  was  abstemiousness  a  virtue  prized, 

But  as  excess  unfitted  for  the  end 

In  view — to  pamper  flesh  and  slay  the  soul! 

And  others,  wiser  in  their  own  esteem, 

Yet  lax  in  morals,  and  in  manners  base, 

Taught  scepticism  disguised,  for  sober  truth ! 

They  fondly  held,  with  wit  affected,  grave, 

That  what  to  man  appeared  as  truth,  as  truth 

Must  be  received.     And  what  was  probable 

To  minds  matured,  might  acquiescence  claim  ; 

But  what  was  probable  and  certain  what, 

Could  not  agree,  nor  fix  what  truth  appeared! 

And  so  unsettled  all  first  principles 

In  moral  truth,  and  gave  no  solid  ground 

For  man  to  stand  upon —  no  cherished  hopes  I 

Another  class,  of  more  exalted  creed, 

One  God  acknowledged  :  obligations  thence 

To  moral  law  deduced.     But  these,  to  God 

No  veneration  gave,  nor  love  to  good, 

Accounted  such  by  Him,  the  source  of  good  ! 

Their  deity  a  moving  principle 

In  nature's  operations  wide  ;  but  not 

Of  choice  !     Volition  gave  to  man  ;  to  Him 

Denied  !     Necessity  their  god  adored  ! 

Virtue  and  vice  their  great  distinctions  lost, 

And  happiness  existed  but  in  name ! 


52 

Such  deity  just  praise  to  virtue's  cause. 
Could  not  bestow,  nor  vice  its  due  rewarL 
Here  God  in  character  reproached,  beholds 
In  mirror'd  form,  His  lovely  features  mariM' 

And  others  somewhat  more  of  majesty 

To  Deity  assigned.     His  functions,  they 

To  brighter  worlds  above,  did  not  confine  — 

To  count  the  stars  and  regulate  their  course, 

In  lofty  heights  of  space  ethereal : 

Nor  to  the  clouds  did  fix  His  sway  divine, 

But  all  the  universe,  they  strictly  held 

His  presence  animated  —  empty  thought, 

As  subtile,  active,  penetrating  fire ! 

But  where  it  acted,  penetrated  where, 

Or  how  pervade  all  matter  space  and  mind, 

Inscrutable  and  dark,  mysterious  all ! 

For  they  as  firmly  held  him  bound  to  earth  — 

To  matter  bound  subordinate  to  fate  ; 

And  fate  was  blind,  and  so  could  never  hold 

The  torch  to  boasted  reason's  midnight  path ! 

Thus  darkened  they,  man's  brightest  prospects  here  — 

Unfurnished  all  with  hopes  of  bliss  to  come ! 

An  other  class  there  was,  existed  long, 

Of  Grecian  school ;  who  towered  in  wisdom  high 

Above  their  fellows.     Like  the  forest  oak, 

Of  ancient  growth  and  sturdy  trunk,  whose  roots 

Imbedded  deep  in  genial  earth,  support 

And  succour  thence  received,  to  cast  abroad 

His  arms,  embracing  all  beneath  him  grew  ; 

This  sect  with  wide-spread  arms  embraced  all  truth, 

All  virtue,  wisdom,  and  all  knowledge,  which 

Their  kindred  sects  had  taught :     And  thus  they  stood 


63 


Pre-eminent  and  proud,  above  them  all! 

But  Israel's  God  denied  ;  rejected  light 

By  Him  bestowed,  to  guide  their  wandering  feet 

In  wisdom  ways  ;  so  learning  evermore  — 

Approximating  still,  and  onward  still, 

Their  motto  and  their  course,  pursued  in  vain  — 

But  never  reached  the  truth's  appointed  goal! 

They  turned  from  God  his  worship  due,  and  led 

Bewildered  minds  to  worship  deities 

Inferior.     The  foulest  creed  of  hell 

That  e'er  disgraced  theology's  fair  page! 

Adopted  since  by  those  of  Christian  guise 

Assumed,  and  modified  to  suit  the  taste 

Corrupted  :     Brat  of  Pagan  birth,  baptized 

In  Rome,  and  nurtured  there  to  manhood's  size ! 

These  taught  that  souls  imprisoned  long  on  earth, 

By  means  of  abstinence  and  penance  done, 

Should  be  enfranchised  thence.     Pernicious  thought ! 

If  not  by  faith  of  Jesus  qualified, 

And  in  submission  held  !     Take  him  of  Rome, 

As  one  example  to  our  case  in  point, 

Among  the  many  else  which  might  be  named. 

He  pass'd  the  streams  and  at  the  fountain  drank  ; 

Drank  large  supplies,  delighted,  often  drank, 

The  purest  waters  that  philosophy. 

Could  ever  furnish  to  a  thirsty  soul ; 

Yet  "  died  of  thirst"  —  of  disappointed  hope  ! 

The  world  was  made  for  Caesar,  not  for  him  ; 

So  would  not  bide  the  will  of  Heaven  !     Took  arms 

Against  himself,  as  ' '  master  of  himself," 

And  rushed  quite  unprepared  to  meet  his  God ! 

And  some  there  were  of  older  name,  who  soared 
For  many  long  and  weary  centuries, 
5* 


54 

Through  vagrant  fancy's  ample  regions  far, 

On  wings  themselves  had  made  !     They  vainly  held 

A  being  infinite,  eternal,  wise  ; 

With  goodness  and  intelligence  replete, 

Replete  with  virtue,  wisdom  and  with  light, 

Which  he  through  vast  expanse  of  space  diffused. 

So  excellent  and  pure  his  nature  was, 

That  finite  minds,  conception  adequate 

Or  true,  could  never  have  of  what  it  was  j 

Or  how  diffused  or  where  it  centred  most ! 

Beyond  this  vast  expanse,  or  fancied  place 

Of  everlasting  light  —  refulgent  day  — 

This  being  lived  in  solitude  confined! 

A  genius,  spirit  of  celestial  light, 

Long  known  as  Demiurgus  vile,  was  sent, 

Or  thence  for  crime  expelled,   (which,  was  not  known,  > 

To  mould  chaotic  matter  into  form 

Of-  order,  symmetry  and  law.     Which  done, 

The  government  usurped  and  reigned  o'er  all ! 

Then  parcelled  out  the  worlds  he  moulded  thus, 

To  genii,  ministers  subordinate 

To  him,  who  governed  each  his  empire  well ! 

'Twas  he  made  men  and  gave  them  souls,  and  filled 

The  earth  with  beasts  !    How  slanderous  and  how  vile  ' 

How  strange  that  man,  against  the  light  of  God. 

Should  close  his  eyes,  or  shut  it  thence,  by  clouds 

Forced  in  between  himself  and  Him,  which  cast 

Thick  shadows  down  upon  his  pathway  here  ; 

Then  fancy  that  he  walks  in  light,  and  boast 

Himself  of  deeds  performed,  as  if  he'd  done 

Essential  service  kind  to  all  his  race ! 

From  these,  did  systems  of  religion  false, 

As  these  were  false,  enlarge  and  ramify, 

Till  man,  unsanctified  by  grace  of  God, 


Unsatisfied  with  self,  with  all  his  gods, 

With  ever  varying  forms  unsatisfied, 

Could  count  by  thousands,  multiplied  by  tens. 

The  deities  to  whom  he  humbly  bowed, 

And  still  unsatisfied  ;  then  fondly  sighed, 

To  swell  his  catalogue  with  more,  to  whom 

He  might  pay  homage  still!     A  proof 

'Tis  plain,  "  The  world  by  wisdom  knew  not  God." 

Nor  were  they  taught  of  Him  ;  by  Satan's  arts 

Seductive,  taught,  who  power  and  wisdom  had  — 

Retained  from  what  he  was  before  he  fell  — 

To  set  religion  up  as  counterfeit 

To  God's  most  holy  worship  ;  mingling  grains 

Of  truth  with  error's  poisonous  cup,  to  make 

It  palatable  !     Hence,  must  be  destroyed , 

Ere  long  :     Both  satan  and  his  works  must  fall  ; 

He,  to  the  lowest  hell,  his  works  as  low  ! 

The  only  wise,  the  true  and  living  God, 

To  man  revealed  in  oracles  divine  ; 

In  character,  in  purpose  and  in  mind 

Revealed  —  a  people  had  ;  a  chosen  race 

To  whom  He  blessings  gave,  as  Hermon's  dews  — 

The  fruitful  field  and  yielding  vine  ;  the  seed 

And  harvest  time  ;  the  early  rains  and  rich 

Autumnal  showers.     With  milk  and  honey  oft, 

He  flowed  their  land  as  welcome  streams  ;  and  gave 

Them  richer  blessings  still — the  stream  of  life, 

Eternal  life,  from  Him  as  fountain  pure, 

Exhaustless,  freely  then  to  every  gate 

And  dwelling  place  of  Zion  flowed  ;  to  make 

Them  glad,  and  fruitful  bring  their  offerings,  vows 

And  sacrifice  of  praise  to  God's  own  house  ! 

And  when  they  strayed  from  his  appointed  fold 


56 

He  gent  them  pastors  kind,  to  hold  in  check 

Their  foes,  and  guide  them  back  in  safest  paths, 

To  Him !     And  when  they  wisdom  lacked,  he  sent 

Them  prophets,  teachers  learned  in  school  of  God, 

To  feed  their  minds  with  knowledge  pure,  divine, 

As  watchful  shepherd  feeds  his  flock !     But  hear, 

O,  Earth!    The  heavenly  hosts  shall  hear  !  and  stand 

Astonished  when  they  hear  !     These  nourished  sons 

And  daughters  loved,  rebelled  against  their  God! 

They  oft  rebelled,  but  He,  in  mercy  oft 

Restored  them  to  himself !     Anon  they  more 

Ungrateful  grew,  conspired  against  his  word 

To  make  it  void,  by  vain  traditions,  which 

Their  fathers  one  to  other  gave,  from  sire 

To  son  5  then  wrote  them  in  a  book,  and  laid 

It  by  the  side  of  God's  eternal  law, 

And  taught  therefrom,  as  if  it  were  the  book 

Of  God!     Then  Jesus  came  to  magnify 

The  law,  the  law  to  Moses  given,  with  pomp 

And  awful  grandeur  given  at  Sinai's  mount ; 

Where  quailing  hosts  of  Jacob's  sons  encamped, 

At  distance  stood,  and  viewed  the  wondrous  scene  ! 

In  wild  sublime  and  majesty  of  storm, 

The  lightnings  played  around  the  mountain's  top 

With  sportive  freak  !  the  clouds,  in  whirling  course, 

With  thunders  charged,  were  driven  along  the  sky  ; 

Loud  roared  the  trump  of  God,  as  if  the  day 

Of  wrathful  doom  to  wicked  men  had  come  ; 

The  voice  of  words  was  heard,  which  paleness  sent 

Through  all  the  camp  —  Then  God  came  down  to  man  ! 

The  mountain,  like  some  vast  volcano,  burned 

And  smoked,  and  quaked,  beneath  his  burning  feet : 

Eternal  fire,  which  came  with  Him,  and  shall 

With  Jesua  come,  when  He  to  judgment  comes  — 


57 


Illumed  its  utmost  height  ;  whilst  blackness  drear, 
Unearthly  blackness,  veiled  from  all  the  tribes 
Its  trembling  base  !     Here  man  received  His  law ! 
This  law  must  be  obeyed  —  the  moral  law 
Of  God,  the  transcript  of  Jehovah's  self, 
The  Holy  Spirit's  code —  or  government 
Divine  must  be  reproached  ;  Jehovah's  crown 
Dishonored  fall,  forever  fall  ;  and  shame 
Eternal  fill  the  holy  courts  of  God  ! 
Hope  disappointed  die  among  the  sons 
Of  heaven,  and  hosts  satanic  swell  aloud 
The  everlasting  song  of  woe  to  man, 
And  song  of  triumph  die  o'er  God  in  hell ! 

To  teach  observance  to  the  law's  demands, 

By  precept  and  example  both,  the  right 

And  province  clear  of  God's  dear  Son  :  A  Son, 

And  yet  obedience  learns  !     A  Son,  the  Heir 

Of  all —  the  nature,  throne,  and  glory  great, 

Of  God  !     The  Heir  of  principalities 

And  powers,  in  heaven,  on  earth  —  the  Lord  of  hell 

And  yet  obedience  learns !     To  Him  the  hosts 

Of  God,  all  meekly  bowed,  and  Him  obeyed, 

Yet  He  obeys  his  Father's  law !     Was  rich, 

In  glory  rich  —  here  needs  sublimer  strains  — 

Ye  harps  celestial,  swell  your  songs  of  praise  ! 

And  roll  through  all  the  wide  expanse  of  heaven, 

Your  lofty  numbers  sweet !     Let  all  -the  earth 

Responsive  echo  back  the  strains,  in  glad 

Hosannas  to  the  Son  !     For  He  had  wealth 

More  precious  than  the  miser's  hoarded  store 

Of  cankered  gold,  or  aught  that  earth  could  boast, 

Were  all  her  glittering  piles  in  one  amass'd, 

Till  towering  readied,  like  Andes,  to  the  skies  ; 


58 

Yet  sacrificed  it  all  upon  the  altar  pure, 

Of  love  to  man  !     What  sacrifice  is  here ! 

Peculiar  to  the  Son  !     His  wealth,  His  life  ! 

His  all !    The  sacrifice  of  Heaven !    Ye  host 

Angelic,  wonder  at  the  sight !     Behold 

The  Son  before  his  Father  stand,  and  there 

Pour  out  His  glory  all,  as  stream  of  love  ! 

Unfailing,  living,  rolling  tide  of  love  ; 

Not  pent  up  there,  but  bursting  forth,  through  bounds 

Of  ancient  strength,  thence  downward  flows  to  earth, 

To  wash  away  the  stains  of  sin,  enrich 

The  poor  and  fertilize  the  souls  of  men ! 

He  first  obedience  learned,  as  teacher  wise, 

Then  others  taught  what  He  himself  had  learned. 

For  this  He  took  our  flesh,  became  a  child, 

And  grew  a  man,  that  He  might  feel  as  men 

And  children  feel,  and  find  the  avenues 

To  human  minds  and- hearts,  and  touch  the  chords 

Responsive  in  the  soul !     He  grew  in  form, 

With  wisdom  and  the  Spirit  filled  :     Increased 

In  wisdom,  and  in  strength  of  mind  increased ! 

What  growth  can  be,  where  growth's  mature  of  mind 

And  wisdom  too  ?     God's  wisdom  all  is  His, 

And  infinite  —  perfection's  topmost  height ! 

His  wisdom  housed  in  form  of  clay,  and  thus 

Confined,  development  must  have,  in  course 

Of  nature's  law,  through  fleshly  organs  now 

Assumed  ;  and  these  must  grow  ;  so  Jesus  grew! 

The  opening  rose,  by  slow  degrees,  unfolds 

Its  blushing  petals  fair  to  perfect  growth 

And  beauteous  form  —  the  changeful  cause  unseen  ; 

So  He  in  wisdom  grew,  unfolding  day 

By  day  His  perfect  grace,  in  such  degrees 

As  man  could  bear,  and  be  instructed  most ! 


59 

Inspired  bards  no  songs  of  praiss  inscribe 

To  Him  in  infant  days  —  what  young  pursuits, 

What  youthful  pastimes  His,  or  school  boy  feats, 

Or  early  flashings  of  his  genius  bright, 

Which  indications  gave  of  manhood's  fire  ; 

Or  mental,  moral  worth,  they  did  not  sing. 

What  scenes  He  saw  ;  what  moral  culture  had  ; 

What  books  He  read  ;  what  travels  early  stored 

His  mind  with  varied  lore,  for  wider  range 

Of  application  meet  in  after  days  : 

What  scientific  halls  He  trod  ;  or  masters  rare 

His  yielding  mind  did  shape  for  usefulness 

To  man  ;  or  how  His  parents  led  him  forth 

To  pluck  fair  flowers  from  blooming  wilds,  or  view 

With  mind  delighted,  ample  fields  of  gay 

Instructive  scenery,  rich  in  thought  of  Him, 

Who  made  them  thus,  and  marked  relations  clear 

Between  Himself  and  all  created  things  : 

Or  how  He  read  from  nature's  volume  great, 

Important  lessons,  that  philosophy 

Did  never  teach,  nor  could  in  brightest  days, 

They  did  not  sing.     Their  burden  simple,  thus  — 

"  He  grew  in  wisdom  and  in  stature  grew  !" 

Precocious  traits  of  character  He  once 

Exhibited.     Unknown  to  those  who  loved 

Him  best,  He  tarried  at  the  feast :     The  feast, 

At  Zion  yearly  kept,  to  celebrate 

Their  Father's  exodus  from  Egypt's  shores 

When  Pharaoh's  host  pursued.     His  parents  sought 

Him  by  the  way,  returned  and  sought  him  there  ; 

With  sorrow  sought  their  child,  as  parents  fond 

Would  seek.     No  doubt  they  called  Him  truant  boy, 

And  thoughtless  child,  to  give  them  pain  ;  for  who 


60 


Can  tell  what  pain  they  felt?  what  sorrow  theirs? 
What  dire  foreboings  wrung  their  hearts  ?    Perhaps 
They  thought  Him  dead,  or  else  had  wandered  far, 
With  those  who  came  from  Gentile  lands  to  keep 
The  feast  ;  or  lost  among  the  throng,  perplexed, 
With  saddened  heart,  and  weary,  sought  for  them  ! 
Three  days  they  sought,  with  persevering  aim, 
Then  found  Him  in  the  Temple's  sacred  courts, 
Sitting  with  Doctors  learned  in  holy  law, 
Hearing  and  asking  questions  grave,  beyond 
His  years  !     But  who  shall  fill  the  outline,  drawn 
By  skilful  hand?     What  tints,  what  shades  appeared 
What  studied  grace  or  dignity  of  form, 
Expression  gave,  to  fill  the  picture  up 
To  life  ?     Or  who  shall  say  what  questions  asked  ? 
What  answers  given  to  show  His  wisdom  forth  ? 
Above  what  God  has  said  in  holy  word, 
We  are  not  wise.     Thy  aid  impart,  O  !  God  ! 
And  guide  me  still  !     I  may  not  launch  my  bark, 
Where  waves  of  endless  speculation  roll, 
Nor  pilot's  skill  directs,  nor  compass  points 
The  way  ;  but  follow  strict  the  course  laid  down 
In  chart  of  truth.     O,  God  !  Thy  word  is  truth  ! 
Let  truth  our  purpose  aid,  and  demonstrate 
In  light  its  own,  what  else  would  dark  remain  ! 
Nor  let  some  fancied  muse,  presumptuous,  blind, 
Imagined  blanks  of  truth,  attempt  to  fill, 
Where  none,  but  in  distempered  minds,  exists  ! 

The  Doctors,  Scribes,  and  all  who  heard  him  then. 
Astonished  were,  and  wondered  much,  to  hear, 
From  one  so  young,  such  wisdom  deep,  and  felt 
Conviction  strong,  that  He  was  more  than  man  ! 
Amazed  to  find  him  there,  His  mother  said  : 


61 

'*  Son,  why  thus  deal  with  us  ?    Behold  we  sought 
Thee  long  with  sorrowing  hearts ! "     To  whom  the  Son  : 
^  •  How  is  this  ?  why  seek  Me  thus  ?    Wist  ye  not, 
That  I  must  be  about  my  Father's  work  ?  " 
How  slow  were  they  to  understand  what  God 
Designed  by  Him  to  do  for  fallen  man ,' 
Had  they  forgotten  what  to  them  at  first, 
By  holy  messenger  was  said?    How  He  should  save 
His  people  from  their  sins  ?     In  majesty 
And  power  upon  the  throne  of  David  sit ; 
Redeem  all  Israel  from  their  foes,  and  fill 
The  earth  with  peace  ?     Or  was  their  love 
For  God  and  cause  of  truth,  and  holy  zeal 
In  that  which  wakes  the  harps  of  sainted  bards, 
Lost  in  parental  love  ?  absorbed  in  self? 
Oh !  foolish  and  unwise !  to  interpose 
Their  selfish  claims,  and  turn  from  work  of  God 
Their  Son,  beloved  of  them,  of  God  beloved, 
And  set  apart  to  life  of  holy  toil ! 
His  heart  no  selfish  feelings  knew,  nor  could 
He  sympathize  with  aught  that's  wrong  in  those 
He  loved.     But  all  that's  holy,  loved  of  God 
On  earth,  in  heaven,  responsive  felt,  approved, 
And  taught  to  man !     But  God,  who  brings  much  good 
From  evil  cause  o'erruled,  and  thus  turns  ill 
To  good  account,  would  glorify  Himself 
In  their  parental  feelings,  strong  embraced. 
Jesus  obedience  must  to  all  the  law  accord. 
And  yield  to  just  authority  of  those, 
Who  claimed  the  right,  by  law  divine,  to  mould 
With  plastic  hand  His  character,  to  good 
Report  and  lovely  form.     Example  just, 
We  here  behold  of  godly  sort,  and  true 
To  first  command  with  promise  given ;  and  hence 
6 


62 


Most  worthy  imitation  prompt,  and  wide 
As  earth  is  wide.     The  Son  of  God,  as  Son 
Of  man,  returned  to  his  paternal  home. 
Obeyed  and  served,  as  subject  children  should, 
His  parents  kind,  till  His  minority 
Was  pass'd,  and  God's  parental  law  fulfilled ! 

Then  came  from  Galilee  to  Jordan's  stream , 

The  Son  of  God  to  be  baptized  of  John ! 

The  man  of  God,  ordained  and  sent  of  Him 

To  solemnize  the  holy  rite  to  man, 

His  fellow  lost  in  sin —  an  emblem  fit 

Of  foulest  stains,  washed  out  by  Jesus'  blood. 

John,  overwhelmed  with  awe,  exclaimed  :     "I  need 

To  be  baptized  of  Thee,  and  comest  Thou 

To  me  ?  the  greater  to  the  less !     To  me  ! 

A  worm,  ordained  of  God  to  minister 

To  man  in  low  estate,  degraded,  fallen  ! 

To  me !  who  must  decrease,  as  Thou  shall  rise 

In  power,  in  glory,  majesty  and  grace  ! 

To  me  !  who  naught  possess,  nor  aught  received, 

But  Thou  hast  given !     '  Twere  condescension  great 

In  Thee,  that  I  the  latchet  of  Thy  shoe 

Should  loose  ;  and  comest  Thou  to  me !    I  need 

The  grace  which  Thou  canst  give  and  Thou  alone ! 

Grace,  signified  by  instituted  rite  — 

Thy  death  and  life  prefigured  clear  —  which  Thou 

Dost  ask  I    Thou  hast  no  sin,  the  grace  is  Thine, 

Then  why  dost  ask  the  sign,  where  nothing  ought 

Or  can  be  signified,  that  Thou  dost  need, 

As  man,  the  sinner  needs  ?  "     To  whom  the  Son, 

With  meek  and  modest  words  replied  :     "I  come 

To  ratify  this  institution  new. 

Not  as  the  priests  of  Levi's  tribe  ;  I  come, 


63 

From  thee  the  customed  washing  to  receive  ; 

For  that  thou  wast  not  sent  of  God,  and  I, 

From  Judah  sprung,  from  whom  no  priest  did  rise, 

To  minister  at  holy  altar's  side. 

The  priesthood  changed,  so  must  the  law  be  changed  ;* 

The  order  new —  Melchised«k  the  first, 

Without  descent  from  sire  to  son,  or  days 

Commenced,  or  end  of  life.     Ordained  of  God, 

Immediate  done  ;  Eternal  Priest  and  King ! 

It  thus  becomes  the  King  to  sanction  rites, 

His  subjects  must,  where  government  is  built 

On  justice,  and  on  judgment  built.     I  ask 

Obedience  free,  to  laws  by  Me  obeyed ! 

As  earthly  kings,  I  do  not  ask  for  love 

Where  none  is  given  ;  for  sacrifice  and  toil, 

Where  I  nor  sacrifice,  nor  toil  bestow ; 

F.or  deeds  of  love,  but  as  I  lead  the  way 

And  bright -example  give.    To  follow  where 

My  footsteps  lead,  I  ask,  and  ask  no  more. 

For  less  I  cannot  ask.     I  mark  the  paths 

Of  righteousness  and  peace,  for  all  to  walk 

Therein,  and  well  observe  My  doctrine  plain. 

Hence  thou  wilt  suffer  me  to  be  baptized 

Of  thee,  and  thus  fulfil  My  righteous  law.  " 

With  solemn  measured  step,  now  hand  in  hand, 
Down  Jordan's  rugged  banks  the  joyful  pair 
Obedient  go !    Anon  they  pause  !  whilst  crowds 
On  towering  battlements  above,  and  crowds 
On  earth  convened,  with  eager  gaze,  await 
The  scene  of  interest  deep  to  earth  and  heaven  ! 
The  holy  man  proceeds  :     Immersed  beneath 
The  yielding  wave,  now  Jesus  passive  lies ! 

•  Heb.  vii.  12-16. 


64 


As  he  in  death's  embrace  shall  lie  !     And  now 

Emerges  from  the  flood,  as  he  shall  rise 

And  break  death's  icy  chains !     Triumphant  rise 

To  conquer  death  for  man  and  die  no  more ! 

Now  strike  your  golden  lyres,  ye  sons  of  God 

And  spirits  just !     Now  roll  in  numbers  sweet 

And  loud,  your  lofty  notes  to  Jesus'  praise! 

Nature  in  smiling  beauty  clothed,  adores 

The  Son  in  silent  mood  ;  her  voice  is  hushed, 

In  solemn  stillness  hushed  ;  the  voice  of  man 

In  breathless  silence  lost,  attentive  now 

To  Heaven's  superior  claims !     The  Father  speaks 

And  speaks  in  accents  loud  from  holy  courts, 

Approving  what  the  Son  on  earth  has  done ! 

The  highest  heavens  their  portals  open  wide, 

To  give  free  passage  to  His  word  sublime. 

And  novel  exit  of  the  Spirit  dove  ; 

Which  down  from  heavenly  mansions  flies, 

On  brightest  wing  of  pure  celestial  light, 

And  sits  upon  the  Son,  as  omen  clear, 

Of  Heaven's  ecstatic  joy !  and  unction  gives 

For  future  labors,  sufferings  great,  and  toil! 

From  scenes  of  liveliest  joy,  and  holiest  praise, 

To  scenes  of  direst  woe,  the  Son  of  God 

Must  quickly  pass !     He  came  to  stand,  in  part, 

In  place  of  man.     To  suffer  in  his  stead  ; 

To  feel  the  power  of  God's  arch  foe  —  arch  fiend  ;. 

The  enemy  of  man  ;  of  righteousness  ; 

Of  holy  peace  ;  of  happiness  on  earth 

And  happiness  in  heaven !    Man's  happiness, 

His  deepest  hell ;  man's  woe,  his  highest  joy  ; 

If  damned  malignity  and  joy  can  find 

A  common  ground  in  hell :     On  earth  is  none, 

Beyond  what  seeming  happiness  or  joy, 


65 

Employment  gives  to  bad  intent  pursued, 

And  satisfaction  due  to  purpose  gained. 

Thus  Satan  toiled  with  diabolic  aim, 

Opposing  God,  and  work  of  grace  to  man  ; 

Determined  chief  to  nip  in  early  bud, 

The  flower  of  heaven  transplanted  now 

On  earth  ;  to  check  the  rising  power  of  God 

Commenced,  in  progress  young  ;  to  stop  the  tide 

Of  life  in  swelling  flood,  and  turn  the  stream 

Of  death  in  torrents  back  upon  the  world ! 

Is  this  his  purpose  dark  ?    Shall  it  succeed  ? 

The  sequel  must  the  great  result  unfold. 

Resistless  then  the  Spirit  led  him  on, 

To  dreary  wilds  untrod  by  Him  before, 

Where  lions  lurked  for  prey,  and  savage  beasts 

With  dreadful  fierceness  roamed !    He  feared  not  these 

Nor  need  He  fear  ;  for  He  their  mouths  could  sea), 

As  when  the  prophet  slept  within  the  den, 

Unhurt  came  forth  at  morning's  dawn ! 

But  He  must  meet,  as  God  ordained,  the  beast 

Of  deadliest  name  ;  who  roams  not  here  alone, 

But  walks  the  compass  of  the  earth  around, 

Watching  to  plunge  immortal  souls  adown 

The  gulf  of  endless  woe,  whence  none  escape ! 

As  some  lone,  blasted  fir,  on  desert  wild, 

Exposd  to  tempests  rude  and  lightnings  dire, 

The  Son,  shut  out  from  intercourse  with  friends, 

And  left  of  God  —  in  gracious  purpose  left, 

To  man  most  gracious,  but  to  Him  severe  — 

Must  face  the  tempter's  storm  of  fiery  darts, 

In  vengeance  hurled  to  pierce  His  sorrowing  heart ! 

In  solitude  most  comfortless  and  drear, 
While  forty  days  and  nights,  the  Holy  One 
6* 


66 


Submissive  dwelt !     Dire  images  of  earth 

In  ugliest  form,  and  images  of  hell 

In  horrid  shapes,  his  vision  haunted  day 

And  night !     No  friendly  voice  to  cheer  his  heart 

Desponding,  sad  :     No  friendly  visitant 

Appeared  to  break  the  dread  monotony 

Of  hellish  scenes,  and  thoughts  perplexed,  infused 

By  Satan's  power  invisible  !     No  friend 

To  his  necessities  did  minister, 

Nor  aught  of  food  provide  :     By  miracle 

Sustained,  and  strengthened  to  the  conflict  sore, 

Through  power  divine  !     The  forty  days  of  fast 

Scarce  ended,  when  his  appetite  returned. 

Then  came  the  tempter  on  with  new  attack, 

And  mode  of  warfare  changed,  who  thus  addressed 

In  language  fair  and  studied  speech,  the  Son  : 

"  Art  Thou  the  Son  of  God  beloved  ?     The  Heir 

Of  principalities  and  powers,  and  thrones  ? 

To  whom  He  gave  assurance  audible, 

At  Jordan's  banks  —  few  days  have  intervened — 

Of  changeless  love  on  Thee  bestowed,  in  sight 

Of  heaven's  approving  hosts,  and  crowds  on  earth 

Assembled?    Sadly  changed  Thy  form!  and  sad 

Thy  visage,  changed  by  nightly  vigils  kept 

And  fastings  long!     Is  this  His  boasted  love 

For  Thee?     How  false  and  cruel,  thus  to  leave 

His  Son  to  pine  and  perish  here,  shut  out 

From  sympathy  of  men  !  all  friendship,  love 

And  office  kind  prohibited  !     Did  He 

The  lightnings  charge  to  strike  the  dead,  or  send 

His  messenger  of  vengeance,  who  destroyed 

The  Assyrian  camp,  at  once  to  cut  Thee  qff, 

'Twere  better  far,  than  linger  thus  in  state 

Of  wretchedness  unmatched!    Assert  Thy  power 


67 


And  prove  Thyself  a  worthy  Son  of  God! 

Nor  suffer  deep  disgrace  and  prostrate  rights 

To  daunt  Thy  prowess!     Take  the  kingdom  Thine. 

As  Thou  art  Heir,  it  must  be  Thine  ere  long  — 

The  kingdom  of  the  universe  —  Thou  art 

The  Son,  the  Heir  ;  all  nature  will  Thy  voice 

Obey  !     Command  these  stones  the  furnished  bread 

Become,  that  Thou  mayest  eat  and  live,  and  gird 

Thyself  with  strength  omnipotent !  "     To  whom 

The  Son  replied  :     "  '  Tis  written  in  the  word 

Of  God,  that  man  may  not  exist  by  bread 

Alone  ;  but  by  a  just  observance,  due 

To  His  commands,  adjusted  well  to  all 

His  wants,  must  live  !     What  seems  severe 

Is  just  and  good,  as  discipline  to  fit 

By  sanctifying  grace  — not  else  enjoyed  — 

The  soul,  for  greatest  good  conferred  on  earth, 

And  happiness  of  highest  praise  in  heaven  !  " 

Then  Satan,  foiled  in  first  attempt  of  base 
Design,  in  hellish  conclave  planned,  removed 
Him  thence,  by  power  usurped,  permitted  then, 
And  placed  Him  on  the  temple's  giddiest  height! 
To  whom  again  deceptive  speech  employed  : 
"  I  bow  to  Thy  superior  skill  in  things  divine, 
Thou  Chief  of  hosts  invisible,  and  Chief 
Of  powers  on  high  !     Thy  wisdom  clear,  is  like 
The  source  of  light !     Obscurity  removes 
Where  found,  and  sheds  a  brighter  beam  on  truth 
Already  bright !     Thy  lips  pour  forth  on  man 
Celestial  grace,  like  dews  refreshing,  rich, 
Distilled  on  Herrnon's  hill !    Thy  glorious  head, 
With  radiant  brightness  crowned,  the  brilliant  sun 
Excels  at  highest  noon,  when  stars,  bright  orbs 


68 

Of  nightly  beam,  abashed,  their  splendor  hide 

In  his  effulgent  rays !     '  Tis  true  as  Thou 

Hast  said,  that  man,  submissive,  must  observe 

The  word  of  God  and  so  must  live.     By  that 

Must  regulate  his  erring  ways,  and  thus 

Secure  his  favor  and  protecting  hand, 

To  guide  him  on,  and  shield  him,  else  exposed, 

Defenceless,  weak,  when  dangers  thick  beset 

His  path.     Now  cast  thyself  from  hence;  so  prove 

Thy  doctrine  wise,  and  vindicate  the  truth 

Of  God,  in  righteousness  revealed,  and  given 

To  man,  to  Thee,  as  guide  infallible  ! 

'  Tis  written  and  hence  'tis  true,  that  He  shall  give 

His  angels  charge  to  hold  Thee  up,  lest  Thou 

Shouldst  dash  thy  foot  against  a  stone  !     Now  trust 

With  faith  implicit,  worthy  Thee,  the  word 

Of  God,  and  cast  thyself  to  earth  ! "    To  whom 

Again  the  Son,  unmoved  and  firm,  replied  : 

"  Thou  shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord,  thy  God.     '  Twere  but 

Temptation,  thus  to  cast  one's  self  without 

The  pale  of  His  protecting  grace  !     All  grace 

Is  promised,  so  bestowed,  where  strict  fulfilled 

Conditions  claim  the  promise  qualified, 

And  guarded  well.     Who  casts  himself  from  hence 

Must  be  destroyed.     Who  treads  unbidden  paths 

May  meet,  quite  unprepared,  the  foe.     Who  thrusts 

Himself,  uncalled  of  God,  within  the  reach 

Of  Satan's  grasp,  must  feel  his  power.     Help  comes 

To  those  alone,  who  walk  obediently 

In  his  appointed  ways  ;  all  others  fail 

And  must,  for  he  is  just,  and  can  not  change  !  " 

Then  Satan  turned,  on  wings  of  darkest  plume, 
Once  light,  by  mad  rebellion  changed,  with  Him 


69 

Through  trackless  air,  he  soared  to  a  mountain  high, 

And  prospect  large,  in  human  vision  large  ; 

Whence  countries,  kingdoms,  passed  in  bright  review, 

Before  the  Son's  enchanted  eye  !     Their  wealth 

And  glory  pass'd,  in  trailing  flight,  as  when 

Some  meteor's  blaze  in  following  course,  its  way 

Doth  quickly  speed  athwart  the  evening  sky  ! 

Now  proudly  wrapp'd  in  thoughts  infernal,  dark, 

With  air  of  majesty  and  grace  assumed, 

As  one  who  great  conception  had,  of  things 

Invisible,  eternal,  Satan  thus 

Resumed  :     "  The  kingdoms  of  the  earth  are  mine ! 

Behold  the  glory  of  my  power  :  Seest  Thou  that  king 

In  splendor  crowned  and  majesty  enthroned  ; 

Whose  willing  subjects  bow  in  waiting  low 

At  royal  feet  ?  they  yield  their  wealth,  and  sell 

Their  lives  at  his  command  !     His  courtiers  cringe 

And  flatter,  where  reproof  would  better  suit 

Ingenuous  minds  ;  but  kings  will  not  receive 

The  truth  to  them  applied  :     Who  speaks  the  truth 

At  court  must  lose  what  falsehood  gains  —  all  show 

Of  royal  favor,  pension,  power,  and  place 

Among  the  great !     Hence  maxim  wise,  by  me 

As  king  of  kings  :  kings  must  not  hear  the  truth  ! 

What  pride  of  station  his  !     What  dignity 

Of  state  !  above  all  praise  of  human  lip  ! 

And  he  above  all  law  but  mine !     He  wills  — • 

His  will  accords  with  mine,  and  so  is  right  — 

And  his  obsequious  subjects  fall  —  their  heads 

Dissevered,  strew  as  falling  leaves,  the  plain, 

To  strike  in  trait'rous  hearts  new  terror  deep ! 

He  wills,  and  laboring  subjects'  hard  earned  stores 

His  coffers  fill ;  by  policy  required, 

When  threatened  kingdoms  need  defence  !     He  wills, 


70 

And  flying  squadrons  take  the  field,  and  hosts 

Embattled  meet  in  deadly  fight,  nor  yield 

Till  thousands  fall,  and  cries  of  deepest  woe 

From  widows  lone  and  orphans,  fill  the  land ! 

This  glory's  mine !     I  proudly  reign  o'er  all ! 

Seest  thou  that  conqueror  return,  new  flushed 

With  triumph  great  by  valor  won  ?     Amid 

Aspiring  chieftains  won,  and  loud  acclaim  t 

What  glory  beams  from  his  delighted  eye, 

While  captive  thousands  grace,  in  lowly  train, 

By  right  of  power  enslaved,  His  large  exploit! 

And  thousands  greet  him  welcome  home ! 

I  move  the  wheels  of  his  triumphal  car, 

And  claim  the  glory  due !     Now  turn  and  view 

With  candid  eye,  yon  legislative  hall : 

Here  reigns  no  monarch  proud  ;  but  simple  head, 

Elected  thus  by  suffrage  free,  and  placed 

By  wide  consent  as  chief,  with  veto  rights, 

And  check  conservative  of  balanced  power ! 

Here  I  preside  in  course  of  wise  debate 

And  right  decision  made  !     I  touch  the  springs, 

And  on  the  vast  machinery  moves,  that  moves 

Remotest  interests  of  the  state !     What  deeds 

Are  here  performed  of  glorious  fame  !     What  scenes 

Of  honor  here,  to  eyes  not  blinded  quite 

With  false  religion's  films  !     Here  honor's  code 

In  strict  observance  held,  right  praise  ensures! 

Here  servants,  masters  turn,  and  wisely  stop 

At  threshold  of  debate,  the  people's  voice  ! 

And  yet  themselves  are  free,  and  will  not  hear 

In  ample  speech  before  applauding  crowds 

A  word,  detracting  dignity  of  place, 

Or  honored  post ;  else  challenged  combat  fair, 

In  single  fight  and  chivalrous,  ensues  ! 


71 


A  glorious  code  !     By  me  concocted  well ! 

In  hell's  dark  council  first  approved,  and  here 

Prolific  nurtured  in  congenial  soil ! 

These  scenes,  to  those  of  moral  vision,  may 

Inglorious  seem  :     But  they  mistake  what  is 

True  glory  ;  name  it  crime,  and  thus  mislead 

Themselves  and  some  of  kindred  sort.     Behold 

What  honor  oft  to  him  accrues,  who,  safe 

In  prowess  great,  well  matched,  with  single  hand 

Against  His  foe,  comes  victor  off !     His  name 

Emblazoned  far  by  herald  sheets,  as  one 

Of  noble  bearing,  firm  and  gallant  man, 

Inscribed  on  highest  dome  of  pillared  fame, 

Shall  stand,  while  kingdoms  stand  and  ages  roll ! 

Nor  is  this  all.     The  path  here  marked  leads  on 

To  senatorial  fame.     Where  people  rule, 

I  rule  in  them,  and  move  their  choice  of  those 

Approved  by  me  and  qualified.     Seest  thou 

A  man  who  holds  the  promise  fairly  up 

To  his  constituents,  of  loyal  deeds 

And  service  true,  yet  seeks  his  own  and  not 

His  country's  good?  him  I  approve.     Seest  thou 

A  man  who  loudly  boasts  of  liberty 

To  all  ?  whose  soul  is  fired  in  freedom's  cause, 

And  sounds  the  tocsin  far  of  trespass'd  rights  — 

Rights  dearly  bought,  when  foes  invade — yet  holds 

In  bondage  vile  his  fellow  man  ?  him  I 

Approve.     Seest  thou  a  man  whose  mind  is  firm, 

Whose  haughty  soul  disowns  the  coward's  name, 

Nor  fears  the  point  of  burnished  steel,  nor  yields 

In  braggart  strife  the  palm,  but  throws  in  high 

Disdain  the  gauntlet  down  in  mad  debate? 

Him  I  approve,  and  raise  to  dazzling  heights, 

Beyond  ambition's  loftiest  thought!     Proof  this, 


72 

All  doubts  aside,  that  I  am  king  of  kings, 

Control  the  governments  of  earth,  and  give 

The  honor  due,  proportionate,  to  those 

Who  faithful  stand  and  true  to  glory's  cause ! 

Thou  art  a  man  :     And  art  Thou  steeled  against 

Ambition?  —  motive  worthy  highest  aim, 

Impressed  on  human  hearts,  not  dead  to  fame, 

Befitting  man's  desire  and  efforts  here  — 

Is  not  thy  soul  with  emulation  stirr'd, 

To  imitate  thy  sires  ?     Thou  didst  descend 

From  royal  line  and  noble  race  of  kings  : 

Take  David  as  example  true,  and  best 

To  our  intent.     In  valiant  fight  he  broke 
Tried  bows  of  steel,  by  strength  of  mighty  arm  ; 
Scaled  walls  of  ancient  towns  ;  undaunted  pushed 
His  way  through  troops  of  foes,  and  humbled  low 

The  pride  of  kings  and  nations  at  his  feet ; 

Then  proudly  sat  himself  and  reigned  in  state 

As  monarch  bold,  whose  own  achievments  made 

Him  what  he  was!     Rise!  shake  Thy  stupor  off ! 

Worship  me  !     All  this  glory  shall  be  Thine! " 

To  whom  the  Son  in  accents  stern  replied  : 

"Satan,  begone!     Thou  reign'st  in  hell  alone 

Among  the  damn'd !     Fit  place  for  such  a  prince 

To  boast  his  crippled  power !     On  earth  thou  hast 

No  power,  beyond  permission  given,  for  ends 

Unknown  to  thee  and  merciful.     '  Tis  written 

That  man  shall  worship  God,  and  Him  alone 

Shall  serve !"    O'erwhelmed  then  Satan  stood  :  soon  seemed 

In  aspect  changed  to  fierce  infernal  look, 

As  when  from  heaven's  high  battlements  at  first, 

Plunging  and  howling  in  despair,  he  fell, 

And  said  :     "  O  fool  accursed!  to  attempt  alone, 

What  myriads  leagued,  by  force  nor  fraud  could  do  ; 


73 

But  fled  from  heaven  in  consternation  dire, 

With  glory  tarnished  and  in  sad  defeat ! 

I  know  Thee  now  and  might  have  known  before, 

But  mad  ambition  nursed  in  hell,  which  burns 

In  bosoms  restless,  urged  me  on  to  meet 

This  sore  repulse  !    Far  worse  than  when  by  Thee 

Expelled,  in  deep  disgust,  I  left  the  shades 

Of  arbored  heaven  for  burning  blasts  of  hell! 

I  fear  my  kingdom  speedily  will  fall 

As  lightning  to  the  ground.     Meanwhile  I'll  wreak 

On  Thine  defenceless,  vengeance  fit,  and  glut 

My  hellish  hate  on  those  thou  cam'st  to  save." 

Then  back  on  cowering  wing  to  hell  he  flew ! 

As  victor  chieftain  on  the  field,  unstrung 
And  weary  droops,  till  his  exhausted  powers 
He  gains  —  is  nerved  anew  for  active  fight — 
So  Jesus  drooped !    Not  nerveless  now  His  arm  — 
That  arm  invincible,  omnipotent  — 
But  by  consent,  that  he  might  feel,  as  man 
Shall  feel  in  after  times,  by  conflict  press'd, 
Thus  sympathy  extend  and  aid,  to  all  — 
The  weakest  of  his  chosen  ones  !    Then  came 
On  speedy  wing,  from  realms  of  light  despatched, 
Commissioned  angels,  who  had  watched  meantime 
The  contest  as  it  raged  —  astonished  watched, 
And  wondered  much,  to  see  the  wide  spread  powers, 
Of  heaven  and  hell  in  single  fight  converged ! 
They  came  to  minister  to  Him,  their  Chief, 
Who  ministers  for  all  in  holy  place 
Not  made  with  hands  !    The  ministers  of  those 
Who  shall  be  heirs  of  His  salvation,  came 
For  once  to  minister  to  Him,  the  Heir  of 
Of  all!     0,  vast,  unmeasurable  stoop ! 
7 


To  need  their  proffered  grace  !    Beyond  the  reach 

Of  thought  in  widest  range  !     There's  naught  on  earth 

And  naught  in  heaven,  its  depth  can  sound,  but  love 

Divine  !  the  fathomed  line  of  God  !     Whose  heights 

And  lengths  immense,  unknown  to  all  but  Him  ! 

How  vast  is  Jesus'  love  !     The  soul  renewed, 

With  all  her  powers  refined,  and  sense  acute 

For  such  pursuits,  will  stretch  with  glowing  zeal 

Her  anxious  thoughts,  but  never  know  its  heights 

And  depths,  transcending  what,  in  full  extent, 

Her  own  capacities  enjoy !     What  need 

She  more?     What  more,  my  soul,  can  God  impart? 

The  soul  capacious  most,  shall  then  be  filled, 

And  those  of  less  degree,  with  Jesus'  love  ! 

The  stars  in  magnitude  may  difference  have, 

In  brilliancy  have  none  ;  and  thus  'twill  be 

With  souls  redeemed  :     In  blest  capaciousness, 

Diversity  may  know,  the  same  in  kind 

If  not  degree  :  but  all  a  fulness  have, 

And  all  reflect  with  equal  blaze  the  light 

Of  God,  through  all  the  firmament  of  bliss  ! 


SATAN  CONQUERED,  &c. 

BOOK  III. 


From  that  time  Jesus  began  to  preach,  and  to  say.  repent, 
for  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  is  at  hand. 

MAT.  iii.  17. 

Never  man  spake  like  this  man. 

JOHN  vii.  40. 

And  His  fame  went  throughout  all  Syria  :  and  they  brought 
unto  Him  all  sick  people,  that  were  taken  with  divers 
diseases  and  torments,  and  those  which  were  possessed  with 
devils,  and  those  which  were  lunatic,  and  those  which  had 
the  palsy  :  and  He  healed  them. 

MAT.  iv.  24. 


BOOK    III. 


THOU  glorious  Son  of  God !     Thou  brightest  orb 
In  all  the  galaxy  of  heaven !     Shed  down 
Thy  light  on  me  !     Illume  my  mind,  else  dark, 
Inadequate  to  contemplation  vast ! 
To  study  Thee  is  vast ;  too  vast  for  mind 
Unaided,  unenlightened  by  Thy  light ! 
The  light  of  all  on  earth,  in  heaven,  through  which 
Thy  Father's  face  is  seen  ineffable! 
Help  me  to  strike  to  numbers  true,  my  harp 
Inglorious  and  of  earthly  sort,  unlike 
The  harps  of  gold  attuned  by  Thee,  and  placed 
In  hands  celestial,  which  harmonious  roll 
Eternal  numbers  on;  unceasing  roll, 
Once  tuned  to  holy  song !     Not  so  the  harps 
Of  earth.     Not  so  the  harps  by  Judah's  bards 
Employed  :     Oft  they  in  moody  silence  hung, 
Where  chilling  breezes  swept  them  by,  high  on 
The  drooping  willow's  bough,  till  waked  by  Thee, 
To  notes  of  praise !     Not  so  my  harp  :  unlike 
To  all,  but  him  who  sweeps  its  feeble  chords  : 
To  melancholy  numbers  tuned  quite  oft, 
When  tuned  at  all,  if  Thou  touch  not  the  strings 
By  hand  invisible  !    Inspirit  Thou 
My  song,  and  teach  my  numbers  how  to  flow 
From  fount  of  truth,  in  purest  streams  to  all, 
Who  thirst  for  Thee,  and  righteousness  of  God ! 
Now  God,  the  Father,  who,  at  sundry  times, 
By  various  methods  spoke,  by  angels  high, 
By  prophets  spoke  to  man,  designs  at  last 
7* 


78 


To  speak  through  Christ,  the  word,  to  all  the  earth  • 

Keep  silence  islands,  seas,  and  distant  lands, 

He  comes  from  high  and  holy  place  I    As  clouds 

Of  flaming  light,  his  glowing  chariot  speeds  — 

Onward  it  rolls  on  wings  of  flying  winds, 

As  thunders  rolling  through  the  vault  of  heaven 

Mid  way  in  air  he  takes  his  stand,  thence  speaks 

From  bright  pavilion,  which  an  other  sun 

Effulgent  seems,  and  to  his  Son  such  high 

Commission  gives  :     "  O,  Thou,  beloved  Son r. 

In  whom  my  pleasure  infinite,  finds  room 

For  ample  exercise,  and  fit  OH  Thee 

Spontaneously  bestowed!     Thy  Father's  grace 

Hangs  mantling  o'er  thy  form  delectable, 

As  robe  of  snowy  texture  o'er  the  brow 

Of  Hermon's  mount!     Thy  beauty  rare,  exceed* 

The  sons  of  men,  as  dazzling  light  of  heaven, 

The  twilight  shades  of  earth  !     Thy  garments  smell* 

Of  myrrh  and  aloes  :     Cassia's  rich  perfume 

Its  fragrance  brings  from  palaces  of  kings, 

To  give  Thee  joy !     Thy  head  with  gladness  I 

Annoint,  and  crown  Thee  King  of  kings !     And  Thou 

Shalt  sit  above  Thy  fellows  round,  enthroned 

In  royal  state  :     Thy  footstool,  earth  ;  Thy  throne, 

The  heaven's  wide  circuit ;  and  Thy  sceptre,  love ! 

Kings'  daughters  fair  shall  be  among  Thy  maids 

Of  honoi  found  ;  and  at  Thy  side  shall  stand 

The  Queen  in  gold  of  Ophir  clad  ;  who  shall 

Paternal  home  and  kindred  dear  forego 

To  follow  Thee  j  and  Thou  with  strong  desire 

Shalt  cleave  to  her,  as  she  to  Thee,  her  Lord! 

Thy  daughter  rich  attired,  shall  come  to  Thee 

*  Psalm  xlv. 


79 

Replete  with  inward  grace  and  outward  state 

Concurring  well.     Her  raiment,  needle- work— - 

Inwrought  with  gold  • —  a  righteous  robe  from  Thee     , 

Received.     And  her  companions  fit  shall  come, 

The  virgins  and  herself,  with  gladness  come, 

And  crowd  Thy  palace  gates  !     Instead  of  sires, 

Thy  sons  shall  come  from  far,  whom  Thou  shalt  set 

As  princes  in  the  earth !     And  I  will  make 

Thy  name  renown'd,  remembered,  praised  and  loved, 

By  all  the  generations  yet  to  come! 

This  Thy  reward.     Thy  recompense  deserved, 

For  sacrifice  of  all  Thou  didst  with  me 

Possess  :  equality  of  state  and  bliss, 

Of  glory  unobscured  ;  by  angels  seen, 

Appreciated,  not  by  man!     This  keep 

In  view  as  joy  before  Thee  set ;  but  first, 

Ere  this  enjoyed,  the  cross  endure,  the  shame 

Despise  :     Gird  on  Thy  sword  and  ride 

As  mighty  chieftain  on,  the  vanquisher 

Of  hellish  hosts  !     Ride  prosperously,  because 

Of  righteousness,  and  truth  and  meekness  blest. 

Go  forth !     The  powers  of  darkness  strong  oppose, 

With  bold,  infernal  front,  Thy  march  :  but  Thou 

Shalt  tread  them  in  Thy  fury  down,  and  crush 

Them  in  Thy  anger  fierce  !    Thy  own  right  hand 

Invincible,  which  felled  at  first  their  chief, 

Shall  teach  Thee  warlike  deeds,  and  Thou  shalt  swell 

The  song  of  triumph  loud  in  every  land ! 

Thy  weapons  —  meekness,  righteousness  and  truth  — 
Mighty  through  Me  become,  and  shall  prevail 
Against  strong  holds  of  hell !     My  truth  obscured 
By  man  with  wisdom  puiFd,  and  devilish  arts 
Seduced,  by  Thee  disrobed  of  error's  garb, 


80 

Shall  shine  resplendent  as  the  sun !  and  Thou 

My  perfect  attributes  maintain  entire  ! 

Thy  high  prerogative  shall  be,  to  show 

By  teaching  simple,  unadorn'd  and  clear, 

The  character  of  Deity  sublime, 

Original !     Philosophy,'  on  wings 

Of  fancied  plume,  presumptuous  soared  to  heights 

Unknown  before,  and  traversed  depths  profound, 

In  search  of  what  it  could  not  find  untaught 

By  me  —  a  Deity  entire.     A  God 

Of  attributes  divine.     A  perfect  mind, 

Intelligent,  and  infinite  and  just ! 

Their  deities  imperfect,  like  themselves, 

With  passions  vile,  with  rude  and  hateful  lusts, 

Were  selfish,  mean,  intolerant  and  weak  ! 

What  could  they  else,  but  draw  from  minds  so  dark 

A  transcript  of  themselves  ?     They  thought  that  I 

Was  such  as  they  ;  hence  sought  within  themselves 

A  prototype  from  which  to  copy  Me, 

The  Almighty  God !     The  High  and  lofty  Q#e, 

Inhabiting  eternity !     Me,  who 

Spread  out  the  north  o'er  empty  place,  and  hung 

In  unsubstantial  air,  the  ponderous  earth  ! 

I  spoke  at  first,  and  this  terraqueous  glofee 

From  chaos  rose  !     Again,  and  first  born  light, 

Hasting  with  rapid  flight,  from  darkness  came, 

Around  the  centre-orb  opaque,  itself 

Converged  —  yon  brilliant  sun  !     Worlds,  systems  vast, 

By  worlds  and  systems  multiplied,  through  space 

I  scattered  wide,  and  gave  to  all  their  bounds 

Impassable !     On  earth's  wide  circling  verge 

I  sit :  there  weigh  in  scales,  the  mountains  high, 

And  toss  about  as  little  things,  the  isles 


81 

Of  Ocean's  bed,  fast  anchored  by  my  power  ! 

Whence  I,  in  range  of  vision  infinite, 

The  nations  wide  behold  ;  diminutive 

As  insects  small  j  or  dust  of  balance  large ! 

Or  drops  to  mighty  water's  depths  compared ! 

In  ample  fists  of  strongest  grasp,  I  hold 

The  winds,  and  check  their  power  tempestuous,  wild, 

Careering  with  the  lightning's  onward  speed, 

As  practiced  horseman  curbs  his  plunging  steed ! 

Or  let  them  loose  at  will,  to  bow  as  grass 

The  lofty  forest  pines  ;  to  swell  with  rage 

The  ocean's  crested  wave,  or  prostrate  lay 

The  dwelling  place  of  man  !    I  clothe  with  clouds 

As  garments  frail,  unrent,  earth's  vapory  floods 

Condens'd ;  which  thence  distil  soft  showers  to  fall 

On  thirsty  grounds — producing  flowers  and  herbs, 

Fruits,  bread  and  seed  for  man ;  or  sweeping  rains 

Pour  out,  to  roll  their  wasting  tides,  with  dread 

Confusion  round  the  earth !     All  systems,  worlds, 

And  creatures  formed,  obey  my  laws  supreme, 

With  two  exceptions,  praised  in  hell !  dispraised 

In  heaven  and  mourned !     And  these  obedient  once, 

And  happy  in  their  choice,  (volition  free 

From  all  necessity  of  ill,)  to  give 

Allegiance  just !     But  they  rebelled,  when  free 

To  stand,  so  fell ;  the  angels  first,  then  man 

In  time  seduced  ;  thus  sealed  in  judgment  right 

Their  state  in  endless  woe  :  if  Thou  Thyself 

Do  not  for  man  receive  the  stroke,  on  him 

In  justice  ought  to  fall !     The  angels  pass. 

Man's  nature  well  Thou  hast  assumed,  not  theirs 

That  punishment  may  be  inflicted  just, 

And  God  be  just,  on  human  guilt  to  Thee 

Imputed,  as  the  substitute  of  man  ! 


82 

To  him  I  send  Thee  forth.     To  him  proclaim 

The  accepted  year  of  grace  secured,  if  he 

Improve  ;  or  double  veugeance  stored,  if  he 

Neglect !  "     The  Almighty  Father  ended  here. 

To  whom  the  Son  most  gracious  speech  returned  : 

"  Thou  speak'st  from  high  ethereal  throne  ;  from  earth, 

Thy  footstool,  I ;  nor  can  again  such  height 

Attain,  of  equal  grace  and  glory  rich, 

Till  all  the  work  assumed  by  me  is  done. 

Meanwhile,  I  will  Thy  truth  make  known  afar, 

Thy  character  defend,  as  Thou  hast  said. 

Thyself  inscrutable,  Thy  grace  from  me 

Must  shine,  as  image  of  Thyself,  to  show 

Thy  glory,  else  invisible  to  man : 

Whose  vision  dimm'd  by  sin,  may  not  Thy  great 

Effulgence  see  and  live,  till  cleansed  from  guilt, 

And  thus  restored  to  fellowship  with  Thee ! 

Thy  truth,  by  enemies  and  seeming  friends 

Disfigured,  darkened,  shall  through  Me  restored, 

Its  loved  primeval  lustre  gain,  and  shine 

With  rays  increased  ;  as  oft  the  morning  sun 

Obscured  by  clouds,  bursts  forth  with  splendor  new, 

Appreciated  more  the  hidden  beams 

Returned !     Thy  chosen  ones,  by  whom  Thy  truth 

Was  kept,  their  sacred  trust  betrayed,  mistook 

The  institutions  too,  of  Thee  ordained, 

Till  I  should  come  —  prefigured  sacrifice  : 

Which  breathing  lore,,  through  dark,  perverted  minds,. 

Were  made  to  foster  arrogance  and  pride,. 

Exclusiveness  of  privilege,  and  hence 

They  made  Thee  partial  and  unjust!     Redeemed 

From  this,  Thy  character  as  Father,  God 

Of  universal  love  and  richest  grace,. 

Shall  soon  appear  to  all  who  righteousness. 


S3 

Approve ;  appear  in  truth  revealed,  which  once 

Withheld  in  council  dark  —  not  gracious  less  — 

For  Thou  mysterious  art,  in  wisdom  deep 

And  manifold ;  to  man  unsearchable ! 

Although  Thy  councils,  faithfulness  and  truth, 

Have  marked  in  every  age,  as  guiding  lights, 

The  way  of  man  on  earth!     0,  righteous  God! 

The  heathen  world  unsanctified  by  thee, 

Thy  character  traduce ;  with  slanderous  tongues 

Thy  name  and  cause  reproach.     The  worship  due 

To  Thee,  through  sacrifice  established,  they 

Corrupt  with  rites  of  devilish  sort,  commend 

Thy  holiest  offerings  to  unholy  gods, 

And  deify  their  fellow  men!    They  fell 

The  forest  oak  which  Thou  didst  rear  for  man, 

To  aid  his  comforts  here,  and  make  a  god ! 

Then  bow,  the  master  to  the  servant  down, 

Nor  know  that  what  their  hands  have  formed,  is  less 

Than  they  !     They  worship  creeping  things,  and  birds, 

And  beasts  of  vilest  name !    How  vile  are  they ! 

To  look  below  themselves  for  objects  base, 

On  which  to  place  that  veneration  claimed 

Alone  by  Thee  !    Wilt  Thou  Thy  glory  give 

To  imaged  beasts  ?     Thy  praise  to  other  gods  ? 

Gods,  that  speak  not,  see  not,  nor  hear  the  prayer 

Of  man  debased,  when  humbled  low,  he  cries 

For  aid,  nor  finds  what  thus  he  seeks  in  vain  ? 

The  idol  gods  of  every  land  shall  fall 

Before  Thy  truth  proclaimed,  as  Dagon,  famed 

At  ancient  Ekron,  Gath  and  Ashdod,  fell 

Headless  before  the  ark  of  God,  when  those 

Uncircumcised  and  sacrilegious  died, 

Who  dared  the  symbol  of  Thy  presence  dread, 

From  Levi's  sons  so  long  detain !    I  come 


84 

To  do  Thy  will,  Thy  will  before  revealed. 
Dearer  to  Me,  than  meat  to  him  who  eats 
Or  dies,  Thy  law  engraved  upon  My  heart? 
I  go  as  'tis  ordained — the  love  I  bear 
Toman  impels  Me  on — to  show  the  way 
Of  life  to  myriads  lost ;  Thy  character 
From  foulest  stains  retrieve  ;  entire  Thy  law 
Observe  and  righteous  government  maintain !  " 

Then  back  the  bright  aerial  chariot  rolled 

To  highest  courts  above  :    The  Son  to  works 

Beneficient,  Himself  with  zeal  address'd. 

Long  held  the  interview  divine,  as  did 

The  conclave  vast,  held  on  the  eternal  hills, 

When  first  was  plann'd  the  way  of  man's  escape 

From  sin  and  hell !     As  time  on  speedy  wing 

Takes  flight,  when  kindred  spirits  meet,  so  sped 

The  time  when  these  conferr'd  ;  in  essence  one, 

In  person  two  !     But  who  of  finite  mind, 

Shall  say,  or  chronicle  in  verse  what  pass'd  ? 

Or  who  attempt  above  what's  known  ?     Or  gaze 

Emboldened,  where  the  angels  stand  abashed  ? 

Meantime  the  orb  of  day  declined,  and  night 

With  solemn  pace  came  on  :  fit  time  for  deeds 

Which  shun,  as  crime  its  just  deserts,  the  test 

Of  light !     Then  Nicodemus  came  to  hold 

Discourse  with  Christ,  the  Son.     A  ruler  he 

Among  the  Jews,  and  proud  of  situation  high, 

And  worldly  fame.    In  covered  darkness  came 

For  light ;  the  light  of  God  on  darkened  points 

Of  theologic  lore.     The  light  he  sought, 

But  darkness  loved,  and  secrecy  observed, 

Lest  he  should  be  reproached  with  Christ :  whose  own 

Of  kindred  tie,  to  whom  He  came,  received 


Him  not.    Esteemed  Him  smitten  of  God,  reproached, 

Afflicted  thus,  as  punishment  for  sin ! 

A  man  accurs'd,  subverting  laws  of  God 

Ordained,  and  instituted  rites,  beloved 

As  cherished  gifts  of  heaven  !     Endeared  to  all 

The  sons,  as  richest  legacy,  from  sires 

Of  honored  name  received  —  a  sacred  trust. 

To  be  observed  inviolate  in  form 

And  letter  true,  though  spiritless  and  dead 

To  them,  apostate  now  in  heart  from  God! 

Him  Nicodemus  found,  and  thus  addressed  : 

"  Rabbi,  Thou  art  a  teacher  sent  from  God. 
Of  this  Thou  hast  assurance  given,  in  works 
Which  none  but  God  can  do,  or  He  whom  God 
Assists.     The  unvarying  flow  of  nature's  law, 
By  His  Almighty  hand  established  firm, 
As  cause  and  sure  effect,  Thy  word  hath  checked 
And  turned  to  channels  new  !     The  eye  unsealed 
By  Thee,  with  ravished  bliss,  now  welcomes  light 
And  dwells  on  Thee  as  benefactor  kind; 
Unseen,  unknown  on  earth  before  !     The  lame, 
From  infant  days  confined,  in  joyful  mood 
Leap  forth  —  Thy  word  the  cause  —  as  bounding  roes 
Unscared  in  native  wilds !     The  palsied  arm 
New  vigor  finds  ;  and  life  renewed,  awakes 
From  death's  cold  sleep,  as  blooming  spring  bursts  forth 
From  winter's  deepest  gloom  !     What  works  are  these ! 
Who  can  but  God  control  established  laws, 
Which  else  immutable  ?     Give  vision  bright 
To  eyes  in  darkness  sealed!  rebuke  disease, 
Defying  skill  and  practiced  art  of  man  ? 
Or  life  infuse,  where  death  in  triumph  reigned  ? 
We  know  Thou  art  a  teacher  sent  from  God." 
-8 


The  Saviour,  who  accepts  not  flattering  praise 

From  man,  nor  holds  in  admiration  great, 

Distinctive  appellations  given  to  those 

By  birth  or  merit  raised  to  eminence 

In  man's  esteem ;  in  grace  and  majesty 

Of  truth  replied  :     "  Man  must  be  renewed, 

Ere  he  just  praise  or  love  attains  with  God. 

His  prostrate  powers,  corrupt,  from  Adam  first 

Received  —  a  bitter  root,  by  disobedience  turned 

From  good  to  ill,  and  hence  entailed  to  all 

The  branches  grown  —  through  Me  must  be  redeemed, 

In  principle  and  radical  reform  ! 

He  must  be  born  again !     The  Spirit's  work 

Of  operation  vast,  to  change  the  heart, 

And  lead  the  current  of  the  soul  from  earth    .. 

To  heaven!     Be  not  surprised  at  what  thou  hear'st. 

Thou  canst  not  see  the  tempest's  form,  which  sweeps 

Invisible  through  earth.     Thou  hear'st  the  sound 

And  seest  effects  of  power —  the  cause  concealed  — 

So  works  the  Spirit  on  the  soul,  from  sin, 

To  God  and  holiness  transformed.     Where  love 

To  things  of  earthly  sort  existed  long,  there  love 

To  God  implanted,  burns  with  vivd  flame, 

Holy  and  pure,  as  incense  sweet,  to  Him 

Acceptable.     Where  passions  rude  enslaved 

The  soul  —  the  greater  to  the  less  enthralled  — 

There  meekness,  charity  and  abstinence 

Enthroned,  fast  hold  in  subjugation  just, 

The  appetites  and  dark  propensities 

Of  man.     The  affections  winged  with  new  desire, 

Soar  up  to  element  divine,  nor  seek 

A  downward  flight ;  the  heart  unbarred,  receives 

The  Lord  as  welcome  guest  from  heaven  ;  the  ear 

Unstopp'd,  delights  in  melting  strains  of  truth  ; 


87 

The  ye  eunclose  1  admits  celestial  light, 

And  sees  through  medium  clear,  the  reign  of  God 

On  earth  commenced  —  the  promised  kingdom  come  T 

To  see  this  kingdom,  needs  the  birth  of  God  ; 

To  enter  as  a  subject  born,  needs  birth 

Of  water  j  sign  of  inward  grace  and  death 

To  sin — resuscitated  life  on  earth, 

And  hope  of  resurrection  last,  through  Me, 

The  first,  as  surety  given,  and  type  of  all 

Redeemed,  when  I  shall  come  to  consummate 

Their  bliss.     Satan's  proud  reign  must  cease 

'  Mong  men :     In  hell  o'er  subjects  like  himself, 

Fit  prince  ;  fit  reign  where  darkness  reigns,  and  light 

Of  God  shut  out — just  recompense  for  deeds 

Rebellious.     Here  again,  his  ancient  bounds 

Shall  Satan  know,  nor  roam  at  large,  nor  man 

His  influence  feel,  in  free  probation's  state, 

Turning  his  moral  powers  from  God.     His  power 

Malignant,  to  himself  and  fiends  confined, 

Shall  move  to  fiercest  strife  and  deadliest  hate 

Among  themselves  ;  nor  find  repose  from  rage 

By  rage  begot,  increased  the  more  indulged  — 

In  reflex  vengeance  on  themselves  disgorged  ! 

And  so  eternal  on  :     Agreed  in  naught 

But  curses  vain,  at  intervals,  on  God 

Bestowed,  vociferous  and  deep  as  hell ; 

When  consciousness  of  punishment  returns ! 

And  this  is  hell !     For  Satan  and  his  hosts 

Prepared,  who,  first  disloyalty  conceived, 

Which  dire  rebellion  grew,  matured, 

And  waked  the  trump  of  war  in  heaven !     Such  doom 

Awaits  not  these  alone  ,-  but  man,  who  hates 

As  devils  hate,  beneficent  regards  ;  who  loves 

As  devils  love,  impurity  and  sin  ;  whose  hands 


89 

Fast  gripe  perverting  gold,  the  price  of  souls  ; 

Whose  heart,  with  envy  filled  and  pride,  rejects 

Reproof  and  offered  grace  ;  whose  filthy  soul 

Is  feasted  most  on  tears  of  orphans  crushed, 

And  widows  wronged  of  sacred  rights  :  their  wail 

Sweet  music  to  his  ear,  but  stops  not  there, 

Goes  up  to  God,  a  vengeful  cry,  and  shuts 

Against  his  prayer  the  audience  door  of  heaven  \ 

All  such  must  have  their  choice  :     Companions  fit 

For  fiends  and  spirits  lost.     Companionship 

With  saints  and  spirits  just  they  will  not  have. 

They  serve  their  master  here,  must  serve  him  there  : 

Receive  reward  which  he  receives  —  a  part 

In  flaming  floods  and  fiery  storms  of  wrath 

Vindictive  —  howling  blasts  which  strong  conflict 

With  rising  groans  of  spirits  damn'd !     But  such 

As  love  the  truth,  believe  on  Me,  and  ways 

Of  righteousness  and  peace  pursue  ;  who  hate 

Oppression,  robbery  and  crime,  nor  love 

Deceptive  gold,  nor  wrest  for  glittering  bribes, 

Just  judgment  from  the  poor  ;  nor  outward  show 

Of  man's  estate  regard  ;  but  sternly  plead, 

Against  opposing  hosts  and  bitter  scorn, 

For  virtue's  cause  —  inaliened  rights  of  man, 

Earth's  greatest  good,  high  prized  ;  and  claims  of  God 

Immutable  to  man's  allegiance  first, 

Entire,  to  government  divine  —  shall  have 

Reward  with  Me  in  glorious  state,  estate 

Imperishable  !     Those  who  serve  Me  here, 

Shall  serve  Me  there  ;  my  glory  see  and  share  ; 

My  throne  shall  share  !     As  1  shall  conquer  death 

And  hell  and  set  in  triumph  crowned  ;  so  these 

Through  grace  shall  reign !     My  triumph  theirs,  and  theirs 

Through  Me,  and  God  in  all  —  a  unity 


89 

Of  love,  undying  love,  unfading  bliss  ! 
They  perish  not,  but  have  eternal  life ! 
My  Father  loved  the  world,  so  loved  the  world, 
He  gave  His  Son  !     What  more  could  give  ?     His  Son, 
To  whom  He  all  things  gave !     So  naught  remained, 
But  God  enthroned  !     His  throne  He  could  not  give  : 
God- head  alone  reserved  !    Most  precious  gift ! 
Heaven's  treasures  poured  on  man,  offending  man, 
By  Him  offended !    Justice  satisfied, 
Delays  to  strike  :     On  Me  the  blow  must  fall, 
Till  man  in  free  volition,  choose  or  death, 
Or  life.     And  then  from  long  forbearance  shown, 
With  gathered  force,  shall  fall  —  O,  wretched  man  !  — 
On  him  whose  choice  is  death !    As  Moses  raised 
The  imaged  brass  amid  the  camp,  when  hosts 
By  venomed  serpent's  fangs,  their  deadly  wound 
Received,  that  dying  they  might  live  ;  in  faith 
One  look  bestowed,  (what  less  could  God  require, 
What  less  could  Israel  give,)  gave  life  in  death, 
And  healed  the  malady  entire ;  so  must 
The  Son  of  God  be  lifted  up,  that  man  — 
Not  Israel's  sons  alone  —  in  every  land, 
Diseased  by  sin,  may  look,  be  healed  and  live, 
Through  Me,  on  earth,  in  heaven,  eternal  live  ! 
And  I,  when  lifted  up  —  effulgent  light 
Of  heaven,  on  earth  converged — in  vision  clear, 
And  steadfast  look,  will  fix  all  eyes  on  Me, 
By  faith  enlightened  !     Piercing  light  of  truth  ! 
Who  loves  the  truth,  loves  light,  and  comes  to  Me  : 
His  works  induced  by  God  and  praised  of  Him, 
Not  man.     Who  hates  the  truth,  hates  light,  and  shuns 
Discriminating  test.     His  works  transpire 
Through  self,  the  constant  spring  to  acts  unpraised 
Of  God,  condemn'd,  abhorr'd  !    Yet  judgment  waits, 
8* 


90 

And  final  doom,  for  those  who  disbelieve ! 

As  judge  to  fix  man's  state  in  endless  bliss 

Or  woe,  I  am  not  come.     The  sinner's  friend 

I  come !     Unearthly  love,  fit  theme  of  praise 

And  song  among  supernal  choirs  in  bliss, 

My  bosom  swells,  and  moves  to  sacrifice 

Unparalleled  on  earth  !     To  die  for  man, 

As  friend  for  friend,  may  man  ;  to  die  for  foes 

Must  one,  both  God  and  man !     Herein  is  love  ! 

Love  pure,  divine!     But  how  canst  thou  believe? 

I  speak  of  earth,  thou  understandest  not ; 

How  understand  the  love  of  God  to  man? 

Or  feel  a  sympathetic  glow,  which  burns 

Through  all  the  angel  hosts  of  heaven  ?     I  speak 

What  I  have  seen.     My  province  to  reveal, 

Exemplify  this  love  to  man !     To  thee 

I  seem  as  man !     What  man  ascends  to  God  ? 

Or  thence  returns  ?     Who  but  the  Son,  who  dwells 

With  man,  with  God,  and  justly  claims  alone, 

Equality  with  Him  in  attributes 

Divine  ?     A  master  thou  in  sacred  school, 

And  knowest  not  these  things ! "    In  thoughtful  mood 

Then  Nicodemus  turned,  nor  deigned  reply. 

The  Son  of  God  next  choose  the  twelve,  unskilled 

In  eloquent  debate  ;  unknown  'mong  men 

Of  science  famed,  and  deep  scholastic  lore  ; 

Of  occupations  rude,  illiterate  ; 

Disciples  called  in  school  of  morals  strict, 

And  self-denying  toil  ;  to  work  with  Him, 

And  usher  in  a  glorious  era  new, 

Amid  earth's  moral  gloom,  like  morning  bright 

With  orient  beams,  from  thickest  night  redeemed '. 

But  these  now  weak,  need  confirmation  strong. 


91 


Need  faith,  and  wisdom  taught  in  school  of  Christ. 
Chosen  of  Him  to  revolutionize 
The  world — contend  with  wisdom,  learning,  skill, 
Combined  against  their  Lord  and  them !     To  stand 
Before  the  kings  of  earth  ;  hold  forth  in  lands 
Benighted  long,  the  light  of  truth  ;  confound 
With  wisdom  pure,  man's  wisdom  most  profound  ; 
And  fight  in  heavenly  armor  clad,  with  powers, 
And  principalities  in  highest  seats 
Of  earth  enthroned !     But  not  by  strength  their  own. 
Innate  ;  by  strength  of  God  and  furnished  grace, 
Efficient  made,  as  instruments  divine  ! 

At  Cana  soon  a  marriage  feast  was  held. 

The  happy  pair  much  honored  by  their  guest 

Most  honored,  prominence  of  character 

And  name,  on  fame's  recorded  page,  have  lost. 

Obscure  the  place  they  fill  in  sacred  word, 

As  shadowy  forms  in  back-ground  sketched,  to  aid 

Design,  produce  effect  and  harmony, 

And  bold  relief.     To  these  gay  nuptials  kept, 

Was  Jesus  called  and  his  disciples  all ! 

Swiftly  the  hours  in  festal  gladness  pass'd, 

Nor  lacked  they  aught  true  appetite  or  taste 

Demands  :     Meats,  fruits,  and  wines  of  various  sort. 

Their  furnished  board  of  elegance  did  crown  ; 

Which  custom's  due  observance  claimed,  or  fit 

Esteemed,  where  fit  occurrence  strict  required. 

Amid  enjoyment's  highest  glee,  '  twas  found, 

The  wine,  despatched  with  unexpected  haste, 

By  eager  hands,  had  failed !     The  Lord  stepp'd  forth. 

His  form  with  majesty  and  power  impress'd, 

As  when  in  after  times,  conflicting  winds 

And  waves  their  tumult  ceased  at  his  command  ; 


92 

He  willed  —  nor  did  He  more  —  the  element 

Obeyed  and  changed  itself  to  wine  !     Was  this 

To  countenance  the  midnight  revel,  dance, 

Or  song  ?  the  festive  board  or  wine's  excess  ? 

Did  Jesus  prostitute  his  power  divine, 

Beneficent,  to  build  what  He  destroyed? 

Did  sanction  then,  what  now  He  hates  ?    Which  gives 

Excuse  to  drunkenness,  debauch  and  crime  ? 

And  leads  blind  votaries  to  hell?    Away 

With  slander,  blasphemy  like  this,  from  earth ! 

Let  devils  prate  such  ribaldry,  not  man ! 

Then  what  design  did  move  the  Lord,  to  work 

At  this  most  unpropitious  time,   (as  seems 

To  man  of  judgment  weak,)  a  miracle 

Of  character  so  dark  and  doubtful  cause  ? 

Design  imprinted  on  his  works,  bespeaks 

For  Him,  in  voice  undoubted  as  his  word, 

A  wisdom  clear  and  infinite,  in  means 

Adapted  to  the  end  !     To  gratify 

Desire  of  gaping  multitudes,  for  deeds 

Of  marvellous  sort  and  vulgar  fame,  did  He 

This  miracle  perform  ?     A  nobler  praise 

Impulsion  gave,  and  urged  to  work  so  vast : 

To  make  His  glory  known,  and  so  confirm 

The  inceptive  faith  of  His  disciples  young! 

Who  other  lessons  need  and  soon  shall  have. 

Next,  from  Capernaum  to  Zion  came 
The  Lord — on  works  of  stern  reform  intent  — 
With  his  disciples  :     Here  the  Temple's  courts 
He  trod,  reviewed  with  keen  inspective  glance, 
The  hallowed  dome  —  not  as  the  priests  by  whom, 
In  trust  reposed,  this  sacred  place  was  kept  — 
But  Master  of  the  house,  to  whom  inscribed ! 


93 

Event  predicted  long  in  Holy  Word  :* 

'*  Behold  I  send  My  messenger  before  ; 

His  warning  must  ye  heed  —  prepare  the  way, 

The  Lord  ye  seek,  in  whom  all  worshippers 

Of  God  delight,  shall  come,  and  suddenly, 

To  visit  this.  His  consecrated  house  ! " 

But  what  reception  fit,  or  offered  praise, 

Did  Jesus  meet  from  ministers  of  God, 

At  holy  altars  there  ?    They  knew  Him  not ! 

Not  so  when  last  he  comes  as  Zion's  King ! 

When  gladjiosannas  loud  from  infant  lips, 

His  praises  swell  —  perfected  praise  of  God ! 

With  indignation  stern  and  just  rebuke, 

His  bosom  glowed,  to  see  these  holy  courts, 

Where  sainted  men  of  old  once  worshipp'd  God, 

By  hypocrites  polluted.     Then  by  power  — 

Authority  supreme,  and  means  which  seemed 

Not  suited  to  the  end,  by  power  divine  — 

With  scourge  of  cords,   (how  small  the  means,)  expelled 

All  who  sold  oxen,  sheep  and  doves  ;  o'erthrew 

Their  tables  stored  ;  poured  out  the  changer's  gold, 

And  said  —  in  tones  of  deepest  wrath — •  "  Take  hence 

These  things.     Make  not  My  Father's  house,  a  house 

Of  merchandize  !     By  prophets  called  '  The  House 

Of  prayer ! '     Ye  have  made  it  a  den  of  thieves  !  " 

As  conquest  gained,  fresh  courage  quick  inspires 

In  feeble  bands,  where  spiritless  before, 

Nor  hope,  nor  fear  could  give  incitement  strong  — 

So  his  disciples,  new  attachment  gained, 

And  strength,  and  hope,  from  what  their  Master  did, 

From  what  achieved  by  Him  for  God  and  truth ! 

And  well  to  Him  applied  the  Psalmist's  words  — 

>:<  Zeal  for  the  House  of  God  will  eat  Thee  up, " 

*  Malichi  iii.  1, 


94 

Thence  forth  to  distant  towns  of  Palestine 

Did  Jesus  go,  proclaiming  truth  divine  ; 

Saying,  repent,  the  kingdom  is  at  hand  ! 

Healing  the  sick,  the  lame  and  palsied  frame  ! 

At  times  by  word  ;  nor  means,  nor  touch  applied  ; 

As  at  Capernaum,  when  sorely  press'd 

By  him  of  martial  fame,  and  wide  command, 

To  heal  his  servant  loved,  with  palsy  sick 

At  home ;  who  thus  his  cause  did  plead  with  Christ : 

"  I  am  unworthy,  Lord,  that  Thou  to  me 

6hould'st  come !  a  man  of  war  and  blood  !     Speak  Thou 

The  word,  it  shall  be  done !  "     To  whom  the  Lord  : 

"  It  shall  be  done.     Thy  faith  requires,  and  hence 

Necessity  devolves  on  Me  a  prompt  response. 

Go  thou  thy  way.     From  hence  thy  servant  lives !  " 

Again  by  touch,  or  means  employed,  as  when 

Jairus  came,  beseeching  long  that  He 

Would  heal  his  daughter  sick — seemed  near  to  death! 

But  while  he  sues  for  life,  she  dies !     Alas  ! 

The  father's  hopes  are  crushed !     His  spirits  droop ! 

She,  whom  he  loved,  for  whom  he  prayed,  now  sleeps 

In  death  !     His  friends  late  come,  despairing  ask, 

"  Why  trouble  Jesus  more  ?  the  child  is  dead ! " 

But  what  did  Jesus  do?     What  say,  to  him 

Depress'd  and  sorrowing  o'er  his  daughter  dead  ? 

Urged  he  to  stoical  indifference  then  ? 

Or  philosophic  firmness  'gainst  life's  ills  ? 

Taught  he  that  manhood's  stern,  redeeming  powers 

Should  check  parental  grief,  or  steel  the  heart  ? 

How  kind  His  words !     "  Fear  not :  believe  on  Me  !  " 

Then  grasp'd,  amid  this  scene  of  sadness  deep  — 

Of  broken  hearts,  tears,  groans  and  sobs  suppress'd  — 

The  hand  of  her  beloved  in  death,  to  whom, 

In  tones  of  sympathetic  tenderness, 


95 

He  said  :  "  Damsel,  arise  !  "    The  scene  is  changed! 
The  maid  comes  forth  and  mingles  with  her  friends, 
In  bloom  of  health,  as  morning  freshly  dawn'd! 
Sorrow  to  joy  is  turned,  and  Jesus  praised! 
Or  when  He  ope'd  the  eyes  of  him,  born  blind  ; 
Whose  friends  desired  from  Jesus'  hand,  a  touch  — 
A  healing  touch.     That  touch,  which  bows  in  wrath 
The  everlasting  hills,  and  rocks  old  earth 
Upon  its  base,  till  ocean  casts  her  flood 
O'er  side  in  boiling  wastes  ;  applied  in  love, 
Restores  the  blind,  gives  life,  dissolves  the  charm 
Of  sin  about  the  soul  entwined !     That  touch 
Once  felt  —  the  blind  man  dimly  saw.     The  veil 
In  part  removed  —  men  walking  seemed  as  trees ! 
All  shapes  obscure,  in  glimmering  light  appeared, 
And  indistinct,  as  when  the  twilight  gray 
Precedes  the  morn  !    Again  applied    :  at  once 
The  intercepting  cloud  —  commingled  light 
And  shade  —  dispersed  !     He  saw !  and  clearly  saw 
All  objects,  shapes,  in  form  distinct,  and  man 
In  form  erect,  as  man !     And  Jesus  saw  ! 
Believed,  rejoicing  followed  and  obeyed! 

Miracles  all  divine !     In  nature,  power, 

Effect  and  grace !     Worthy  of  Jesus'  hand  ! 

He  went  about  doing  great  good  to  man  ! 

On  him  the  Spirit  dove-like  sat,  with  power 

To  aid  in  works  beneficent  and  vast ! 

He  to  the  poor  the  Gospel  preached,  and  oft 

Deliverance  gave  to  captives  bruised  ;  set  wide 

The  doors,  to  prisoners  bound,  and  gave  to  all, 

As  sinners  vile,  the  accepted  day  of  grace  ! 

Who  shall  with  mighty  works  like  these,  compare 

The  false,  pretending  miracles  of  Rome  ? 


96 


In  tfashy  legends  of  the  church  preserved, 

And  taught  the  credulous  and  blind !     What  truths 

Established  by  these  "  lying  wonders"  taught? 

Whose  faith's  confirmed,  on  reason  built  ?     Whose  lives 

Redeemed  from  death  ?     What  good  to  man  performed  ? 

What  maladies  are  healed  ?    What  woes  relieved  ? 

What  sum  to  human  happiness  subjoined  ? 

What  gained  to  cause  of  truth  ?     What  glory  given 

To  God  ?     What  end  secured  ?     Alas  !  the  end 

That  sanctifies,  though  vile  as  hell,  the  means 

As  vile  !     To  bind  in  fetters  strong,  the  will, 

And  conscience  bind  !     To  mould  with  better  grace. 

The  minds  of  men  to  base  obsequiousness, 

And  superstitious  fear !     To  aggrandize 

The  few  ;  the  mass  impoverish  and  enslave  ; 

So  build  ecclesiastical  misrule ! 

What  character  ?  what  power  ?  their  nature  what  ? 

Let  one  example  serve  :    A  sainted  fool 

Did  once  call  fishes  from  the  rolling  deep, 

To  hear  the  truth  ;  they  silent  audience  gave, 

When  man  through  stubborness,  his  ear  refused  ! 

Fit  preacher,  audience  fit,  and  miracle 

Sublime  !     Behold  their  character  and  power  ! 

The  Son  of  God  compassionate,  relieved 

Distress,  and  bound  up  broken  hearts  !     With  hands 

Of  softest  touch,  wiped  tears  from  widows'  eyes  ; 

Smoothed  dow*n  the  wrinkled  brow  of  age,  care  worn, 

And  filled  with  joy  the  orphan's  heart  depress'd ! 

His  visits  opportune  were  made,  and  kind, 

With  marked  design  to  all  confest ;  nor  doubts 

Could  intercept  belief,  where  Jesus  went! 

He  comes  to  Nain  —  an  ancient  city  walled. 

Forth  issuing  from  the  gates,  with  solemn  tread. 


97 

A  crowd  of  mourners  came !    With  grief  bowed  down 

A  matron  pass'd,  whom  Jesus  saw  o'erwhelm'd— 

A  widow  she,  bereft  of  all  on  earth 

Most  dear  !    Her  son,  her  only  son  was  dead  ! 

Her  hope  in  life,  her  staff  in  age,  was  gone ! 

Her  counsellor,  companion,  friend !  and  grief 

Had  twined  its  aching  cords,  relentless,  deep, 

Around  her  heart !     To  whom  soft  words  He  spoke, 

"  Weep  not "  —  approached  and  touched  the  bier  whereon 

The  corse  was  laid.     The  carriers  stand  amazed ! 

As  if  by  thunder-bolts  of  God  to  earth 

Infixed!     Who  dares  this  solemn  pageant  stop, 

When  onward  moving  to  the  tomb  ?    This  scene 

Of  sacred  sorrow  interrupt,  by  words 

Untimely  uttered  ?     Whence  this  stranger  rash, 

Who  fears  not  God  ?  who  meddles  thus  with  hours 

Of  sanctity  and  death?     Jesus  unknown, 

The  dead  commands  :     "  Young  man,  arise  ! "    The  voice 

Of  Majesty  was  heard !    The  lad  arose, 

As  if  from  sleep  refresh'd,  and  back  to  her, 

Who  mourned  his  death  but  late,  was  given !     How  kind ! 

How  strange  the  deed  !     W  hence  comes  this  power  to  raise 

The  dead  ?  and  change  deep  sorrow  into  joy, 

As  'twere  by  magic  done  ?    Fear  came  on  all! 

And  all  conviction  owned  that  God  was  there! 

Enchanted  thousands  followed  where  He  led, 
From  Galilee,  Decapolis.  and  towns 
Beyond  the  Jordan  and  Jerusalem ; 
To  whom  the  words  of  life  He  ministered. 
His  forum — nature's  wild  impressive  scenes  — 
The  mountain's  rugged  brow.     His  glowing  lips 
Poured  eloquence  from  heaven's  empyreal  fount, 
Fresh,  pure,  out-gushing  from  the  heart  of  God ! 
9 


98 

Unlike  the  orators  of  classic  Greece, 

Or  Rome,  unmatched  in  earthly  strains,  and  praised 

By  those  whose  souls  respond  to  moving  speech  — 

His,  heavenly,  simple  and  sublime  ;     Once  felt, 

Forever  felt  and  praised  ;     Once  held  in  high  esteem, 

Forever  held  ;  nor  antiquated,  lost 

In  whirling  vortex  of  the  changing  schools ! 

His  poesy  —  soft  music  of  the  soul 

New-born  —  eternal  numbers  rolls  unchanged  ! 

Not  imaged  fancy  of  creative  mind, 

Or  wild  effusions  of  distempered  brain  ; 

The  images  of  truth  on  God- like  mind  impress'd ! 

Heaven's  glories  bright,  exhaustless,  which  man's  mind 

Can  not  conceive  ;  nor  vision  unrenewed, 

Can  see,  nor  ear  can  hear —  God's  perfect  love  ! 

Hell's  dark  abyss  and  ever  rolling  tide 

Of  burning  flame  ;  heaven  lost  to  man,  despised, 

Once  offered  ;  groans  of  myriads  damn'd,  who  would, 

In  spite  of  love  and  sacrifice  divine, 

Their  choice  pursue  to  death — God's  perfect  wrath! 

Unlike  to  Him,  the  prince  of  poets  called, 

Who,  loftiness  of  thought,  with  dignity 

Of  style  combined,  and  dared  attempt 

"  Things  unattempted  yet  in  prose  or  rhyme," 

And  soared  to  heights  unknown  to  him  and  all ! 

And  so  to  him,  who  tuned  the  scenic  lyre 

To  notes  of  loveliest  song,  and  just  earned  praise  ; 

Who  held  "the  mirror  up  to  nature"  well, 

Yet  often  lent  to  vulgar  use,  his  powers 

Of  song  ;  as  birds  of  highest  flight  drop  down 

To  earth  and  feed  on  matter  vile  !     And  so 

Unlike  to  him,  "  spoiled  child  of  fame,"  who  taught 

The  muse  to  soar,  "  and  with  the  thunder  talked  ;" 

Whose  light,  like  beacon  lights  on  mountains  high, 


99 

At  distance  glared,  but  scorched  and  withered,  where 

It  should  have  warmed !     Who  sung  lascivious  song, 

And  died  the  wretched  victim  of  his  lusts ! 

His  harp  is  tuned  to  heavenly  cadence  sweet, 

Which  fills  with  melody  of  love,  the  courts 

Of  God  on  earth,  in  heaven !     All  subjects  His  : 

Of  bold  poetic  fire,  or  softer  flame, 

Or  sweet  inspiring  theme !     '  Tis  His  to  paint 

The  orient  morn  and  western  sky  with  tints 

Of  golden  light,  or  blend  with  silvery  hue, 

The  flying  cloud  disparted  by  the  orb 

Of  night !    '  Tis  His  to  garnish  earth  entire, 

With  changeful  drapery  sublime !     To  deck 

With  foliage  green  and  summer  flowers,  afar 

The  smiling  mead  ;  with  fruit  the  cultured  field ! 

To  clothe  the  landscape  wide,  with  wildest  grace  ; 

Profusion  vast  of  rocks,  hills,  dales  and  groves, 

And  flowing  streams  from  gushing  fountains  cool! 

'  Tis  His  to  keep  alive  the  stars,  bright  lights 

For  man  ;  to  feed  the  burning  fire  of  day, 

And  light  from  thence  the  midnight  lamp  of  heaven  ! 

All  thoughts,  all  themes,  all  melody  are  His  ; 

All  passions,  fears  and  hopes  by  him  controll'd, 

And  He  the  grand  original  of  all 

Existences,  and  elemental  life ! 

His  fame  from  Palestine  to  Syria  spread 

With  rapid  pace  :  enduring  more  than  deeds 

Of  man,  in  characters  of  blood  deep  traced, 

Or  on  the  monumental  pile  inscribed ! 

fingraved  on  grateful  hearts  and  chronicled 

In  heaven,  eternal  stands  and  brighter  grows ! 

Now  Satan  from  his  dark  retreat — thence  driven 
By  interval  of  rest  from  hellish  strife, 


100 

And  diabolic  contest  waged  with  God, 

To  fury  lashed,  as  when  the  Lion  chafed, 

From  Jordan's  swelling  tide  retreats  —  soars  up* 

As  prince  of  airy  heights,  through  starless  shades 

To  intermediate  space  and  thickest  night : 

The  seat  of  principalities  and  powers 

Of  darkness.     Here  convokes  in  council  vast, 

All  spirits  vile,  unclean,  and  demons  called  ; 

Magicians  wise,  who  Moses  long  withstood, 

Jannes  and  Jambres,  named  in  after  days, 

Their  leaders  bold.     Wizards  and  witches  knownf 

In  holy  law  to  Israel  given,  and  there 

Condemn'd.     Familiar  spirits,  sought  by  those 

Who  sought  not  God  ;  who  divination  claimed, 

And  power  to  raise  the  dead.     Like  her,  of  Saul 

Employed  j  and  him  of  Balak  hired  to  curse 

Whom  God  had  blest.     And  those  long  afterward 

At  Delphos  famed,  who  uttered  oracles, 

Inspired  by  exhalations  rare,  divine, 

Uprising  from  Parnassus'  lofty  mount  f 

Myriads  of  these  convened  at  1  is  crmmand, 

And  thus  addressed  :     "  Ye  powers  aerial,  awake! 

Ye  disembodied  ghosts  of  those  long  dead, 

Coursing  through  darkness  drear,  your  trackless  way, 

And  must  in  '  outer  darkness  '  dwell,  condemn'd 

To  such  eternal  state,  if  ye  do  not 

Kre  long,   exert  your  powers  for  liberty  ; 

Attend  my  speech  !     The  Son  of  God,  who  seem* 

Impassible —  unconquered  by  my  arm  — 

Hath  late  fresh  laurels  gained  in  Palestine ! 

Travelling  in  the  greatness  of  His  power, 

Speaking  in  righteousness  and  strong  to  save, 

'  Eph.  ii.  2.  t  Ex.  Mil.  18 :  Lev.  xix.  31. 


101 


Hath  swept  like  overflowing  flood,  the  land ! 
Thousands  are  cringing  at  His  feet,  and  seek 
From  Him  relief,  as  from  the  hand  of  God ! 
The  dead  are  raised  and  spirits  cleansed  from  sin ! 
Before  His  word  divine,  diseases  flee, 
As  frighted  guards,  outnumbered,  spiritless, 
Before  embattled  hosts  invincible ! 
His  fame,  like  lightning  from  the  cloud  elanced, 
To  Syria 's  flown,  untired  and  onward  speeds  ! 
Companions  of  my  toil  and  pain !     Judge  ye 
Which  best,  to  sit  despairing  here,  or  urge 
Through  intermediate  air,  your  hopeless  flight, 
Or  meet  this  crisis,  dangerous  as  'tis  strange, 
In  fit  accordance  with  your  prowess  shown 
Before,  when  multitudes  of  heathen  name, 
By  you  were  willing  led,  and  yielding  host 
From  Israel  were  seduced  ?     Come  rally  then  ! 
And  speed  your  wray  to  this  good  land  j  and  there 
Invisible  possession  take  of  man ! 
As  single  habitants  or  legions  joined, 
As  best  may  suit  our  end,  and  thus  oppose 
This  mighty  Chieftain,  Son  of  God,  so  named  .' 
He,  or  our  ancient  powers  must  fall !     Prince,  He, 
Of  light,  and  I  of  darkness,  each  distinct 
In  elements  of  power  and  principles 
Evolved,  can  not  affianced  live  in  heaven, 
Or  earth,  or  hell !  "    Then  swift  in  numerous  train, 
As  sable  clouds  o'er  midnight  hills  are  driven, 
The  untold  swarms  of  demons  dark,  descend 
To  scour  the  plains  of  Palestine,  in  quest 
Of  bodies  organized,  and  minds  to  suit 
Their  hellish  purpose  fixed  —  bold  war  wilh  God ! 
Undaunted,  Jesus  met  the  common  foe 
To  Him  and  man !    Advised,  their  nature,  power, 
9* 


102 

And  mode  of  warfare  understood  —  the  world 
Invisible,  in  phalanx  ranged  against  the  powers 
Of  light !     And  not  as  some  of  later  date 
Assert  —  mere  metaphoric  words  set  down  — 
Foul  demons  put  for  wan  disease,  to  which 
Mankind  are  subject  all ;  but  spirits  base 
Imbodied  —  tangibility  assumed, 
To  meet  the  Son  in  human  flesh  arrayed ! 

When  Jesus  came  from  off  the  holy  mount, 

Where  Peter,  James  and  John  his  glory  saw  — 

Transfigured  form,  and  brilliant  as  the  light, 

True  pattern  given  of  what  His  saints  shall  be, 

When  glorified  with  Him  —  a  father  brought 

His  son  diseased      A  spirit  furious,  dumb, 

Possession  long  had  held  of  this  young  lad, 

Which  dashed  him  oft  times  down,  resistless  then, 

Foaming  and  gnashing  with  his  teeth,  to  earth. 

Where  long  he'd  lay  in  frenzied,  hopeless  state  ! 

First,  the  disciples  sought.     These  not  empowerd, 

Relief  nor  aid  could  give !     How  weak  is  man, 

Where  needs  Jehovah's  arm  omnipotent ! 

Next,  to  the  Lord  himself  applied,  nor  sued 

In  vain ;  his  faith  proportioned  to  desire, 

By  prayer  and  correspondent  acts  confirmed. 

As  God,  now  Jesus  speaks  imperative  : 

'•'  I  charge  thee,  spirit  deaf  and  dumb,  unclean, 

To  leave  thy  habitation  fond,  nor  seek 

To  enter  more  such  tenement  usurp'd ! " 

Reluctant  then  this  demon  vile,  obeyed 

The  word  divine,  and  owned  superior  power  ! 

Submission  forced,  as  all  the  enemies 

Of  God  to  him  accord  !     The  will  untamed, 

The  faculties  and  powers  apostate  still, 


103 

Malignant  and  inimical,  '  gainst  Him, 

For  mastery  will  struggle  on,  till  crush'd 

By  sentence  just,  and  chained  where  endless  night, 

Despair  prolific  breeds  —  extremest  hell! 

So  struggled  this  malignant  spirit  then, 

Rent  sore  the  lad  and  left  him  dead,  as  seemed 

To  all  !     But  Jesus'  hand,  his  languid  frame 

Raised  up  —  to  life  and  health,  and  friends  restored '. 

Nor  could  their  vile  concentred  hosts,  arrayed 

At  single  point,  like  legions  armed  with  lance, 

Or  spear,  and  cased  in  panoply  of  steel, 

Against  the  Lord  make  head.     These  routed,  sued 

For  truce  as  cringing  foes  subdued,  and  Him 

Adjured  for  clemency,  as  Son  of  God 

Most  High  !     Abatement  ask'd  cf  punishment, 

Which  due,  He  might  inflict,  and  will,  at  time 

Appointed,  when  the  sentence  dread  by  Him 

Pronounced,  shall  seal  the  doom  of  angels  lost 

And  men!     But  gave  till  then  what  asked.     As  well 

Permission  gave  to  enter,  as  besought, 

A  herd  of  swine,  two  thousand  named,  which  ran 

With  fury  down  the  banks  of  Galilee, 

Where  strangling,  sunk  beneath  the  whelming  flood! 

All  power  derived,  is  in  subjection  held, 

Nor  can  it  be  transferr'd  without  consent 

Of  Him  who  gave.     Such  slate  dependence  owns. 

But  He,  in  whom  the  attributes  divine 

All  met,  gave  power  to  His  disciples,  such 

As  only  God  can  give  !  to  heal  the  sick, 

Resuscitate  the  dead,  and  in  his  name, 

To  cast  foul  spirits  out,  saying  :     "  Go  ye* 

And  preach  My  word.    Do  ye  as  I  hare  done ! 

•  Math.  x. 


104 

Freely  ye  have  received,  now  freely  give ! 

Behold  I  send  you  forth  as  sheep  'mid  wolves, 

Which  rend  with  ravening  jaws  the  purchased  flock. 

As  serpents,  be  ye  wise.     As  doves,  be  kind, 

Affectionate,  and  innocent,  and  mild  ; 

Thus  blending  virtue  fair,  with  wisdom  prized  ; 

Wherever  found,  by  whom  acknowledged,  praised, 

As  fit  examples,  imitation  give  ; 

However  vile  is  he,  who  claims  the  one, 

Or  humble  he,  the  other  shows  approved  ! 

To  the  lost  sheep  of  Israel  go  and  preach  — 

Go,  preach  —  the  kingdom  is  at  hand  !    The  sick 

Restore  ;  the  lepers  cleanse  ;  the  dead  raise  up, 

And  spirits  damn'd  cast  out  of  those  possess'd ! 

Nor  raiment,  scrip,  nor  gold  provide  ;  but  trust 

In  God.     My  service  meets  reward.     Fear  not. 

The  sparrow  small,  o'erlooked  by  man,  by  Me 

Is  watched  with  care  paternal  ;  guided  on 

In  puny  flight,  as  well  as  birds  sublime, 

Of  heavenly  plume,  which  sweep  the  mountain  top 

In  travelled  course  ;  nor  falls  without  my  power 

Or  free  consent,  as  second  cause  controll'd ! 

More  valued  ye  than  they  —  immortal  men ! 

To  propagate  My  gospel,  ye  are  sent ; 

My  providence  your  ways  shall  mark,  and  guide 

In  all  the  paths  of  life,  your  footsteps  right! 

Fear  not.     Vile  man,  opposing  God,  may  kill 

The  body ;  further  can  not  go.     The  soul,  by  faith 

In  Me  secured  —  ingrafted  life — >  he  cannot  reach ! 

Who  touches  this,  must  Me  destroy  ;  in  Me 

'  Tis  hid  with  God  !     Shall  triumph  hence,  '  mid  flames 

Or  racking  tortures  borne,  the  arguments 

Of  hell !  much  used  where  error's  clothed  with  power ! 

Appliance  damn'd,  to  force  weak  consciences 


105 

To  acquiescence  base,  where  argument 

From  truth  deduced,  would  but  the  truth  confirm  '. 

Nor  these  your  constancy  of  mind  shall  shake. 

Beware  of  men,  but  fearless  truth  proclaim — 

Of  man's  seductive  arts  beware,  nor  yield 

Conformity  to  sin  ;  nor  countenance 

Through  fear,  or  praise  bestowed,  what  I  abhor! 

He  that  receiveth  you,  receiveth  Me, 

And  who  receiveth  Me,  receiveth  God  ! 

He  who  despiseth  you,  despiseth  Me  ; 

And  who  despiseth  Me,  despiseth  God !  " 

And  thus  He  sent  the  seventy  forth.     These  all 
Returned,  and  gave  report  of  gracious  works 
Perform'd  :     Rejoicing  that  the  demons  bowed 
To  missive  power,  in  Jesus'  name  dispensed! 
As  one  who  saw  the  fruit  of  toil  long  borne, 
Conflicts  severe  and  unremitting  war, 
With  powrers  of  darkness  waged  and  fiercely  fought ; 
Jesus  rejoiced  in  spirit  then !     Appropriate  more 
His  joy,  than  victor  crowned,  from  scenes  of  blood 
Returned,  where  man  o'er  man,  in  martial  pomp 
And  pageantry  of  earth,  loud  celebrates 
His  conquests  gained  !     Whose  vaunted  reign  is  o'er 
Proud  lands  of  wealth  laid  waste,  and  cities  burned  ! 
Whose  banquet  mirth  — the  saddest  hour  of  earth! 
Whose  triumph  song  —  the  wailing  requiem,  poured 
From  hearts  with  grief  o'ercharged,  for  myriads  slam! 
He  saw  with  prescient  eye  the  crippled  foe, 
Whose  diabolic  hate,  unchecked  by  Him, 
Earth's  family  entire  would  plunge  in  hell, 
Shrinking  inglorious  from  the  field  of  strife, 
With  shattered  shield  and  fallen  crest,  disarmed, 
Thus  meditating  new  revenge,  and  said  : 


106 

' '  I  behold  Satan  fall  as  lightning  falls 

From  heaven !  "     AsJDavid  when  deliv'rance  found, 

Thanksgiving  then  address'd  to  God  :     "I  thank 

Thee,  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth  !  in  whom 

All  wisdom's  hid,  that  Thou  hast  hid  from  man, 

Self-styled  and  hence  reputed  prudent,  wise, 

What  Thou  to  babes  wilt  show  —  Thy  strength  divine, 

Omnipotent,  to  Him,  who  trusts  in  Thee, 

Nor  boasts  His  native  skill  in  deadly  strife" 

With  sin  and  hell !     By  fleshly  arm  the  foe 

I  Vanquished  not,  thus  far  subdued !    Unchanged, 

And  free  in  his  abode,  recruited  power, 

His  cause  shall  aid  in  new  attack,  urged  on 

By  maddening  shame,  disgrace,  and  sore  defeat. 

His  onset  furious,  I  again  must  meet, 

As  I  before  have  met,  and  vanquish,  once 

For  all,  this  boasting  prince  of  hell,  untamed 

And  proud!     Meanwhile  to  Thee,  O,  God!  my  thanks 

Are  due,  as  I  my  power  and  glory  all 

To  Thee  surrendered,  poor  became  to  make 

Man  rich  ;  I  now,  till  this  performed,  depend 

On  Thee,  as  man  whose  nature,  I  assume!  " 


SATAN  CONQUERED,  &c. 
BOOK    IV. 


And  some  of  them  would  have  taken  Him  ;  bnt  no  man 
laid  hands  on  Him. 

JOHN  vjj.  44, 

Why  have  ye  not  brought  Him  ? 

JOHN  vil.  45. 

What  will  ye  give  me,  and  I  will  deliver  Him  onto  you  t 
And  they  covenanted  with  him  for  thirty  pieces  of  silver, 

MATH.  xxvi.  15. 

And  they  that  laid  hold  on  Jesus,  led  Him  away  to  Caia- 
phas,  the  High  Priest,  where  the  scribes  and  the  elders  were 
assembled. 

MATH.  xxvi.  57. 

And  they  crucified  Him. 

MATH,  xrvil.  36 


BOOK    IV. 


UNSATISFIED  with  sad  repulse  endured, 
From  Jesus'  arm  received  —  recession  dread 
From  toils  of  warfare — Satan,  chieftain  proud, 
Of  hosts  infernal,  sullen,  dark,  and  wise 
In  policy  of  hell — deceptive  gloss,  which  makes 
The  truth  as  falsehood  seem,  and  falsehood  seem 
As  truth — who  higher  power  to  none  awards, 
In  heaven,  or  hell,  above  himself;  now  sits 
Enthroned  before  his  spirit-subjects  damn'd, 
As  one  possessing  majesty,  with  skill 
And  power  to  conquer  God  omnipotent ! 
And  thus  in  wily  speech  discourse  begins  : 
"  Ye  spirits  bold,  invincible!     Of  late, 
Your  parts,  ye  well  have  acted  :  worthy  each 
Of  better  state  —  of  royalty  and  power 
Conferr'd  !     Return  to  principalities 
And  thrones,  your  own,  which  ye  have  doubly  won, 
By  prowess  rare  in  Palestine  !    Eclipsed 
Your  glory  late  has  been,  by  fleshly  forms 
Assumed  ;  your  purpose  grand,  of  rightful  war 
Declared,  and  splendid  conquest  then  required. 
Return  with  added  glory  crowned,  because 
Of  laurels  gained — your  power,  invisible 
Before  on  earth,  exhibited  ;  man  subdued, 
Obsequious  made  before  the  Son  of  God  I 
The  outposts  guard.     Scour  well  the  airy  heights 
Of  empire  vast.     Oppose  the  squadrons  bright, 
Celestial,  in  their  travelled  course  to  earth  ; 
Whilst  I,  with  single  hand,  attack  once  more 
10 


110 

This  Champion  proud,  of  heaven's  pretending  hosts, 

Unconquered  yet,  invulnerable  He 

May  boasting  say.     Him  I  will  now  assail, 

With  all  the  dread  malignity  of  hell, 

And  He  shall  yield  to  my  superior  skill !  " 

Obedient,  these  dispersed  their  several  ways, 

Whilst  Satan  girded  on  his  armor  dark, 

For  single  fight,  and  coursed  his  way  to  earth  I 

As  prince  of  hell  unseen,  he  walks  abroad 

Through  all  the  land !     By  means  mysterious,  foul, 

Which  used,  beguiled  fair  Eve  to  sad  revolt, 

Seeking  to  find  in  disaffected  minds 

A  lodgement  sure,  of  base  infernal  schemes 

Against  the  Lord  ;  and  thus  by  artifice, 

Supply  the  power  in  open  warfare  lacked  : 

Oft  tried,  and  suited  well  to  dark  designs  ; 

As  when  God's  people  prosperous,  rose  above 

The  neighboring  kingdoms  round,  and  thus  stood  high  — 

Their  enemies  subdued  and  bowing  low, 

Much  tributary  service  gave  and  power, 

To  Israel's  king  !     O'er  Moab  reign'd,  and  cast 

His  shoe  o'er  Edom's  land  ;  Philistia's  hosts 

Controll'd  ;  with  Ephraim's  strength,  (not  yet  disjoined,) 

And  Judah's  valiant  men,  the  nations  awed! 

Then  Satan  came —  who  oft  to  passions  vile, 

In  man,  with  mark'd  success  appeals  —  to  pride, 

And  jealousy  and  lust — •  to  David,  proud 

Of  state  exalted,  with  suggestions  which 

A  correspondent  end  secured.     To  him  he  spoke 

Of  wealth,  of  valor,  fame,  and  strength  of  arms, 

Which  brought  great  revenue  of  praise,  well  earned, 

When  marshalled  men,  by  him  led  on,  far  pushed 

Their  conquests  o'er  the  land  !     And  urged  him  on 

To  number  Israel's  sons,  and  sum  the  force 


Ill 


Of  mighty  men,  who,  when  emergency 

Required,  could  take  the  field  of  hostile  strife! 

And  spoke  of  Nineveh,  and  Babylon, 

And  Tyre,  with  which  his  state  might  well  compare! 

As  fowlers  take  the  unsuspecting  prey, 

So  he  with  covered  snare,  deceived  the  king ! 

The  yielding  monarch,  fondest  credence  gave 

To  these  suggestions,  fawning  made,  and  fair, 

As  seemed  to  mind  excited  :     Numbered  then, 

By  strict  command,  the  people,  who  transgress'd 

The  lawT  of  God,  promulged  in  Israel's  code,* 

Nor  brought  the  ransom  price,  the  penalty 

For  which  the  pestilence  was  sent  of  God, 

Severe,  nor  stayed  till  seventy  thousand  fell !  f 

Now  Satan,  wrapp'd  in  covered  light,  disguise 

Put  on  tbat  he  might  gain  his  purpose  dark, 

The  constituted  powers  of  Judah  seeks, 

To  bring  complaint  in  law  against  the  Son 

Of  God ;  so  far  and  wide  to  sound  alarm, 

And  holy  indignation  deep,  excite 

'  Gainst  innovations  dangerous,  introduced 

And  blended  with  the  worship  pure  of  God ! 

The  sanhedrim,  chief  priests,  and  scribes,  he  roused 

By  lengthened  speech  and  argument,  that  seemed 

With  glowing  thought  replete,  and  language  fit 

Conveyed.     Of  ancient  rites,  and  sacred  held, 

Discoursed,  and  thus  declaimed  :     "  Pretended  priest! 

The  Son  of  God,  pretended  Son  and  vile  ! 

He  comes  from  Judah's  tribe,  from  which, 

No  priest  ordained  of  God  ere  came,  or  can 

By  law  :  so  loud  demands  a  change  of  law 

Immutable  !  and  change  of  rites „ long  used 

*  Exodus  xx.x.  12-15.  t  2  Sam.  rxVr.  « 


112 

Inductive  —  priestly  washng  at  the  door 

Of  tabernacle,  first  by  Aaron,  then 

By  consecrated  sons  observed  —  instead 

A  washing  novel  in  the  Jordan's  stream, 

Has  substituted,  and  received  from  one, 

Not  sent,  nor  priest  ordained,  nor  fit  such  rites 

Initiatory  to  administer ! 

The  priesthood  is  in  danger  !     Worship  pure  — 

Miscalled  and  mean,  for  fisherman  designed, 

And  common  minds  accursed,  who  heed  not  law. 

Who  follow  flickering  light,  as  '  twere  the  blaze 

Of  mid-day  sun  effulgent  —  stript  of  form 

Attractive,  he  will  institute  !     Ye  scribes 

And  priests,  and  officers  elect  of  God! 

Your  holy  office  then,  which  now  respect 

And  veneration  claims,  and  profit  yields 

Abundant,  (God  asks  not  your  toil  for  naught,) 

Shall  most  dishonored  prove  and  profitless, 

If  ye  blast  not  with  sure,  but  prudent  haste, 

This  new  religion  in  the  bud  ! "     Then  one  uprose, 

Who  sat  in  Moses'  seat;  responsive  spoke, 

And  due  corroboration  gave  to  what 

The  seeming  angel  said  :     The  council  charged. 

And  all  concerned,  to  watch  the  impostor  vile, 

And  follow  where  he  went.     His  ministry 

Observe,  to  trap  him  in  his  words  or  works, 

Whether  in  public  or  in  private  done  • 

Among  the  poor  in  cottage  low,  o'erlooked 

By  pharisee  and  doctor  erst  —  such  now 

Must  have  attention,  that  impression  made, 

On  minds  neglected  long,  of  charity 

And  holy  deeds  performed,  might  secrecy 

Ensure  —  from  public  note  the  end  conceal ! 

(V  where  the  leprosy,  with  venomed  breath 


113 

The  healthful  air  impregned  ;  or  at  the  grave, 
Where  decomposed,  the  human  form  sent  forth 
Its  dread  effluvia,  arrowy  death,  dark  winged, 
Through  all  the  air,  must  they  be  found,  nor  shrink  J 
Or  at  the  sick  man's  couch,  where  pestilence 
Unchecked  by  art  of  man,  stalked  forth  to  meet, 
As  men  at  arms,  and  bold,  the  timid  foe ! 
Or  where  affliction  sanctified  the  place 
As  holy  ground,  where  Jesus'  sympathy 
Was  felt  and  prized  above  all  earthy  bliss ; 
Must  they  obtrude  :  no  place  exemption  gives ! 
Forthwith  the  council  he  dissolved  ;  who.  now, 
Ambitious  others  to  surpass,  in  works 
Malignant '  gainst  the  Son  of  God  conceived, 
Dispersed,  as  troops  en  ambushment  sent  out!  ] 

At  Nazareth  commenced.     Hither  His  fame 
Had  come !     But  here  He  did  no  works  of  power 
And  grace,  because  of  unbelief  and  hate ! 
They,  envious,  Him  attack  ;  contemptuous  ask, 
"  Whatever  Thou  hast  done  in  other  towns, 
Capernaum  and  Galilee  throughout, 
Do  also  here !     Physician,  heal  Thyself!  " 
To  whom  the  Lord  :     "  Hath  prophet  honor  just ; 
At  home  ?  where  bred,  where  known  ?     Where  rivalry 
And  jealous  hate,  with  blinding  influence,  close 
The  eye  of  candor,  and  due  praise  withhold  ? 
A  curiosity  unlawful,  prompts 
Unjust  demands  !     Can  ye  the  sovereign  will, 
Or  purpose  deep  of  God,  as  shallow  streams, 
Divert  from  customed  flow  ?     When  famine  raged 
In  Israel,  many  widows  pined  for  bread, 
Necessitous.     To  none  relief  was  sent, 
By  good  Elijah's  hand,  except  to  one 
10* 


114 


To  her,  who  at  Sarepta  dwelt  f     '  Twas  thus 
Ordained !     And  many  lepers  also  were 
In  Israel,  when  Elisha  cleansed  the  chief 
Of  Syria's  host :     But  Israel's  lepers  cleansed 
He  not !    Nor  I,  what  thus  ye  seek,  will  grant !  " 
Then  one  to  other  sneering  said  —  such  sneers 
For  argument  are  substituted  oft, 
Rejoinder  made  to  gracious  speech,  to  claim 
The  vulgar  praise  —  "Is  not  this  Joseph's  son  ?  " 
So  filled  with  wrath,  they  rose  and  would  have  cast 
Him  down  from  where  the  city  stood,  but  He 
Amid  the  crowd  pass'd  on  and  thus  escaped ! 
But  not  by  stefcdthy  means,  did  He  elude 
Their  rage  —  rage,  impotent  and  vain  'gainst  Him 
Directed  ;  firm  intrenched  in  purpose  strong, 
To  give,  at  will,  His  life  a  ransom,  due 
To  God's  eternal  law  and  man's  estate  ! 

Next,  Him  accuse  of  casting  demons  out, 
By  power  Beelzebub  conferr'd.     The  prince 
Of  demons  in  collusion  with  the  Son 
Of  God  !     As  operator,  subject,  leagued, 
To  work  deceptive  plans  and  seeming  true, 
In  mesmeretic  feats,  to  gull  weak  minds .' 
Or  worse,  as  if — against  itself  arrayed  — 
The  selfishness  of  hell  to  virtue's  side 
Had  turned,  as  servants  change  their  masters  oft .' 
Or  stranger  still  to  judgment  sane,  that  sin 
And  holiness  were  blended,  and  could  hence 
Community  of  interest  have  in  hell ! 
And  Satan  work  for  self,  and  work  for  God, 
So  build  His  kingdom  up  !     And  these  were  scribes. 
Whose  lips  should  knowledge  keep,  and  teach 
Untutored  minds  the  law !    To  whom  the  Lord 
n  speech  profound  :     "On  earth,  who  ever  saw 


115 

A  kingdom  stand  against  itself  engaged 

In  warlike  strife?     Then  how  the  powers  of  hell? 

Themselves  would  soon  exterminate  ;  nor  man 

Would  need  God's  power  oft  interposed,  to  blast 

Their  schemes  malignant.     In  its  stead  would  find 

By  human  arm,  an  easy  victory  gained, 

Nor  seek  from  God,  what  now  he  needs,  or  falls  ! 

The  strong  man  armed  his  palace  keeps,  and  gocds 

In  peace,  till  he  the  stronger  comes  and  binds 

Him  fast ;  so  Satan  keeps  fast  hold  on  man, 

And  subjugation  claims  o'er  human  mind, 

And  with  demoniac  power  the  body  chains 

And  tortures  deep  inflicts,  till  overthrown 

By  power  divine,  as  ye  yourselves  have  seen ' 

A  superhuman  power  by  you  confess'd, 

Ascribed  to  hell  in  arms  against  itself! 

Denying  thus  what  evidence,  the  sense 

May  give,  preverted  not  by  sin  indulged  — 

Your  envious  madness,  goaded  to  its  height 

By  bigotry,  exclusiveness  and  pride  ! 

Thus  ye  blaspheme  the  Holy  Ghost,  who  dwells 

In  Me,  and  works  by  Me,  deliverance  kind, 

To  those  afflicted  sore  !     And  thus  provoke 

The  Lord.     His  works  of  love,  to  evil  cause 

Attribute,  and  His  mercies  mock,  in  spite 

Of  sense  and  reason's  light,  and  light  of  truth, 

In  word  prophetic  seen !     Can  ye  escape 

The  burning  fires  of  hell?    Me,  ye  have  seen 

And  hate !     Through  Me,  My  Father  see,-  and  hate  .' 

The  brightness  of  His  glory,  I  reflect, 

In  rays  subdued,  on  man !    Had  I  not  come, 

Your  stubborn  sins  might  palliation  claim, 

But  now  remain  and  aggravated  plead, 

For  justice  stern  and  sentence  dread  !    For  Me 


116 


Ye  blind  reject.     By  Me  forgiveness  flows 
To  penitence  and  prayer,  as  stream  of  life 
From,  fountain  pure.     Me,  ye  despise,  nor  will 
From  Me  receive,  what  else  ye  can  not  have! 
Oh  !  foolish  scribes  and  priests  !     Too  late  shall  ye 
Behold  and  mourn  your  fate!     Now  hear  your  doom  : 
Ye  must  be  damn'd!  "     Confounded  then,  his  foes 
Retired  in  sullen  mood,  with  faltering  step, 
As  ocean  swelled  by  high  and  angry  winds, 
Retires  at  calm,  with  gradual  ebb,  and  leaves 
The  shore  in  peace  where  once  its  fury  raged! 

'Tis  winter  drear  in  Palestine.     The  feast* 

Of  dedication  held  to  celebrate 

The  Temple  purified,  (by  Syria's  king 

Polluted,)  now  is  kept.     The  ancient  porch, 

As  some  vast  rock  amid  the  ocean's  surge, 

Has  long  survived  the  ravages  of  time, 

And  devastating  hand  of  conquering  kings ! 

In  sacred  word,  as  Solomon's  porch  is  known  — 

A  solemn  pile  and  grand,  looks  tow'rd  the  east, 

A  monument  of  what  the  Temple  was, 

When  God's  symbolic  presence  dwelt  as  cloud 

Of  glory  there  !     Here  Jesus  walked !     The  Son 

Of  man,  nor  house,  nor  home  possess'd  on  earth, 

Here  shielded  from  the  wintry  blast,  spoke  words 

Of  life  to  thronging  multitudes,  and  gave 

To  weary  hearts  rich  comfort,  whilst  Himself 

Was  friendless  and  despised !     Round  Him,  the  Jews 

Gathered  in  haste  —  scribes,  pharisees  and  priests, 

As  hungry  wolves  around  the  lamb,  estranged 

From  native  fold  :     Some  accusation  false, 

To  find  in  words  ungarded  said,  or  find 

'  John  x.  22. 


117 

Some  evidence  of  guilt,  as  pretext  fair, 

That  speedy  condemnation  might  ensue  ; 

For  they  were  pierced  by  words  of  just  reproof. 

Oft  said,  as  if  by  sharp  and  pointed  spears  ! 

With  seeming  honesty,  they  ask  :     "  If  Thou 

Be  Christ,  why  make  us  doubt  ?     Thy  miracles 

Equivocal,  no  witness  give  to  claims 

So  high —  important,  true  or  false,  to  us. 

The  guardians  lawful  of  religious  rites, 

Must  judge  of  Thy  pretentions  boasting  made  ! 

For  we,  the  oracles  of  God  expound, 

And  ordinance  of  sacrifice  control. 

Moses  we  know  :     He  led  our  fathers  forth 

From  Egypt ;  gave  them  laws,  from  God  received 

While  on  the  burning  mount :     His  glory  saw ! 

But  who  art  Thou  ?    Whom  makest  Thou  Thyself? 

We  look  for  Christ,  a  glorious  personage, 

In  prophet's  word  described —  '  The  Mighty  God  ; 

The  Prince  of  Peace  ; '  of  valor  great,  and  power 

To  lead  our  armies  on  to  valiant  fight, 

And  drive  from  hence  these  powers  usurp'd,  and  held 

Till  then,  as  now,  by  sufferance  wise  of  God  ! 

Art  Thou  that  Christ?     Now  let  Thy  speech  be  plain, 

Nor  circumvention  use,  as  oft  Thou  hast." 

Then  Jesus,  filled  with  indignation,  spoke  — 
His  words  with  terror  clothed,  as  thunder  seemed, 
Forth  breaking  from  a  cloud  of  storm,  and  awed 
To  silence  deep,  the  while,  His  caviling  foes !  — 
"  Have  I  not  said,  and  plainly  said?     But  ye 
Believe  Me  not !     My  works  My  claims  confirm, 
Nor  need,  nor  can  they  have  a  stronger  proof. 
My  sheep  will  hear  my  voice  :  but  ye  are  not, 
And  will  not  hear  !     My  sheep  will  follow  Me 


118 

To  death  !     I  give  them  life — eternal  life  ! 

N'o  one  can  pluck  them  from  My  hand,  or  pluck 

Them  from  My  Father's  hand  ;  for  we  are  ONE  !  " 

They  audience  gave  till  now.     Enraged  that  He 

Should  claim  equality  with  God,  in  praise, 

Perfections,  grace  and  love,  with  blasphemy 

Accuse  the  Son  of  God,  and  eager  would 

The  penalty  of  Moses'  law  inflict ! 

When  Jesus  bold  resumed  :     "  Why  cast  ye  stonei 

In  furious  rage  at  Me,  nor  mark  what's  said  ? 

Many  good  works  have  I  performed,  for  which 

Do  ye  thus  visit  punishment  for  sin? 

And  only  due  to  sin  ?     Have  I  blasphem'd  ? 

Which  of  ye  all  convicteth  Me  of  sin  ? 

If  then  My  words  ye  can  not  overthrow, 

Nor  dare  dispute,  why  credence  just  withhold  t 

'  Tis  said  in  ancient  scriptures,  '  Ye  are  gods.' 

Shall  men  such  high  appellatives  receive, 

In  word  of  God,  to  whom  the  word  was  sent ; 

And  ye,  with  fiendish  malice  say  to  Him, 

The  Father  sanctified,  '  blasphemer,  Thou ! ' 

Because  I  said,  I  am  the  Son  of  God? 

Ye  hypocrites !     Your  father's  lusts  ye  do  ! 

Blindly  he  leads  you  on  to  war  with  Me, 

And  hence  to  war  with  God  !     Effrontery 

Unmatched!  unknown,  but  in  the  depths 

Of  hell !  where  ye  your  native  element 

Shall  find,  and  kindred  spirits,  who  accord 

With  you  in  envy,  jealousy  and  hate ! " 

Routed  but  not  dismayed,  they  then  withdrew, 
And  consultation  held  what  could  be  done 
In  case  so  critical.     At  once  agreed 
Thereon,  the  council  must  deliberate. 


119 


Forthwith  the  sanhedrim  was  called  ;  and  soon 

The  hall  of  state  was  thronged,  as  when  in  hell, 

The  massive  edifice  by  Satan  built, 

And  sung  by  poet  blind  —  heroic  verse  — 

Was  filled  by  peers  of  that  infernal  prince, 

Devising  means  to  crush  the  new-made  pair 

If  that  were  best,  or  else  by  subtlety 

If  best,  to  win  them  o'er  to  side  of  hellf 

Here  scribe,  and  pharisee  and  priest  conferr'd. 

Now  one,  well  skilled  in  intrigue,  learned  in  school 

Of  priestly  kind,  rose  up  and  thus  harangued  : 

"  Fathers  and  brethren,  hear  !     Full  well  were  we 

Forewarned  of  this  bold  innovator's  course  — 

What  specious  arts  and  fraud  He  would  employ  ; 

How  He,  with  seeming  miracles,  would  draw 

The  crowd  to  servile  waiting  at  His  feet, 

And  great  renown  among  the  vulgar  sort 

Would  gain  !     With  eagle-eye,  Him  ye  have  watch'd, 

And  evidence  of  large  amount  laid  up, 

To  meet  and  test  His  claims,  confronted  here  ; 

But  naught  prevailed.     Where'er  He  goes,  the  world, 

Grown  mad,  still  flock  to  hear  His  speech  divine  ; 

Seeing  His  mighty  works,  they  bow  to  Him 

As  God  !  regarding  not  our  holy  law 

In  force  against  idolatry  and  sin  ! 

We  thus  shall  well-earned  reputation  lose  ; 

Our  ancient  rites  their  glory  lose,  and  more, 

Far  worse,  Jehovah's  name  shall  be  despised 

These  things  allowed,  will  end  in  anarchy 

And  death  to  hopes  of  pregnant  joy,  as  ye 

May  judge  !     Ye  guardians  of  the  public  good, 

Awake  !     Nor  idly  here  debate,  as  'twere 

A  measure  small  of  import  ye  discuss, 

And  not  of  danger  imminent  to  all ! 


120 

Already  are  the  people  won,  and  range 

Themselves  on  side  of  this  imposter  great ! 

And  how  shall  wise  decrees  prevail,  by  you 

Put  forth,  if  public  sentiment  work  not 

With  righteous  cause,  which  now  ye  advocate  ? 

Let  energetic  means,  devised  at  once, 

A  speedy  execution  have,  so  end 

This  mockery  of  legislation  now  !  " 

Amid  applauding  cheers,  sat  down.     Then  rose 

Another,  somewhat  more  in  age  advanced, 

Some  untouched  point  to  reach  ;  and  thus  poured  forth 

Exciting  speech  :     "  My  peers  in  law ! 

To  me  your  audience  give  !     This  subject  now 

Demands  investigation  ;  nay,  demands 

Executive  decision  !    Scenes  like  these, 

Do  not  our  tributary  state  befit ! 

This  Jesus  claims  to  be  a  King  !     And  king 

Of  whom  ?     The  Jews  !     Pretensions  such,  shall  soon 

The  Tetrarch's  hate  excite  !     Will  Pilate  brook 

Such  insult  offered?  or  will  Herod  pass 

In  silence,  base  indignities  preferr'd  ? 

Will  Caesar  know  a  rival  here,  and  rest 

On  his  imperial  throne  ?     I  tell  you  nay. 

His  sweeping  cohorts  armed,  will  quick  o'erthrow 

What  yet  remains  of  toleration  small, 

To  us  vouchsafed  in  our  religion,  law  — 

Administered  by  privilege  enjoyed  — 

And  dear  as  life  ;  which  others  can  boast ! 

Shall  this  or  life  be  sold  ?     In  looks  that  burn, 

I  read  your  answer  !     Then  exert  your  rights 

Legitimate,  ere  this  shall  reach  its  height 

Of  mad  career,  to  crush  seditious  crime, 

Wherever  known  ;  or  soon,  amid  the  storm 

Of  Csesar's  wrath,  this  nation  sinks  unmourned  ; 


121 

Nor  aught  remain  but  cheerless  void,  where  once 

Her  ancient  glory  shone  !  "     His  speech  here  closed. 

Silence  ensued !     The  heart's  deep  feeling  moved, 

Forbade  response!     Then  Nicodemus  spoke  — 

The  same  who  came  by  night  to  see  the  Lord  :  — 

"  Ye  elders  of  the  people  hold  !  nor  thus 

Impetuous  urge  your  onward  way !     What's  done 

In  haste,  is  oft  ill  done,  by  accident, 

If  well.     And  oft  repentance  bitter  comes 

In  after  thought,  which  fore  thought  should  have  been, 

And  calm  precursor  to  the  deed.     Will  ye 

Condemn  the  man  unheard  ?  or  hither  bring, 

And  thus  confront  Him  with  yourselves  ?     And  here 

Give  place  for  just  extenuation  made, 

Or  explanation  due  to  majesty 

Of  law  by  Him  contemn'd,  as  some  believe? 

Can  ye  by  law,  condemn  this  man  unheard  ? 

I  charge  you,  weigh  this  matter  well,  nor  act 

Precipitate,  where  judgment  given  requires 

Deliberation  cool  before  it  pass  !  " 

Here  ended.     No  responsive  impulse  now 
Sends  forth  approving  shout,  but  silence  first 
Prevailed.     Not  as  before,  when  feelings  deep, 
Too  deep  for  utterance  fit  by  words,  fast  closed 
All  lips ;  such  as  surprise  begets,  or  shock 
Of  fear,  or  when  the  coursing  blood  is  chill'd 
By  deeds  of  horror  done!     But  soon  were  all 
Restored  ;  with  anger  filled  ;  then  silence  broke 
By  murmuring  words,  which  louder  grew,  to  him 
Address'd,  sarcastic  said,  and  deeply  felt 
Through  all  the  house,  "  Art  thou  of  Galilee  ?  " 
Then  Caiaphas,  high-priest  that  year,  (God's  law 

11 


122 

Ordaining  priests  for  life,  by  man  was  changed,)* 

Demanding  audience,  rose  ;  prophetic  spoke, 

As  one  a  sacred  trust  discharged  for  God — 

Permitted  so  —  for  Aaron's  place  he  filled, 

To  whom,  because  of  station  occupied, 

There  was  some  lingering  reverence  due,  not  due 

To  him  as  man,  but  to  his  office  held 

Divine  !     He  spoke  in  name  of  Israel's  God, 

As  by  the  Spirit  moved  —  the  Spirit  moves 

Some  men  to  speak  in  praise  of  God,  who  love 

Him  not!     As  Beor's  son,  whom  Balak  hired 

To  curse  :     Restrained  of  God  he  could  not  curse, 

But  blessings  asked  instead !     Respectful  now, 

All  eyes  to  him  are  turned,  who  thus  begins  : 

"  What!  know  ye  not  expediency  demands, 

(Ye  nothing  know  it  seems,)  that  one  must  die, 

To  save  our  nation,  which  must  perish  else  ? 

Jesus  must  die!     The  public  safety  needs 

The  sacrifice  ;  and  justice  stern  requires 

The  largest  sum  of  human  happiness, 

By  smaller  ills,  soon  pass'd,  and  felt  by  few, 

To  man  in  aggregate  should  be  secured ! 

But  not  this  nation  only,  benefit 

Of  vast  amount  shall  thence  receive,  for  He 

Shall  bring  God's  children,  scattered  wide  through  earth. 

Together  in  one  fold  united,  bless'd, 

As  careful  shepherd  herds  his  wandering  sheep !  "  , 

This  speech,  as  pretext  served,  to  close  with  haste 

Deliberation  then  protracted  long  ; 

So  speedy  sentence  pass'd,  unanimous 

That  Jesus  Christ  the  Son  of  God  must  die  '. 

'  Exodus  xl.  15.    John  xi.  51 


123 

As  prudent  mariner,  who  shortens  sail, 

Lets  drive  his  bark  before  resistless  winds  ; 

So  Jesus  flees  before  the  gathering  storm, 

Foreboding  ill,  and  thickening  every  hour  ! 

His  time  not  come,  Himself  to  offer  up, 

As  voluntary  sacrifice  to  God  ; 

He  goes  to  Ephraim  city,  there  to  dwell 

In  solitude,  till  God's  appointed  time 

•Shall  call  Him  forth  to  meet  once  more  the  foe ! 

The  yearly  feast,  the  nation's  jubilee, 

JVot  that  the  fiftieth  year  was  kept,  when  slaves, 

Among  themselves  were  freed,  but  when  themselves 

Egyptian  bondage  'scaped,  was  nigh  at  hand. 

They  sought  for  Jesus  there  amidst  the  crowd, 

And  one  to  other,  in  the  Temple  said, 

"  What  think  ye?  will  He  come  to  keep  the  feast?" 

The  sanhedrim  again  was  called,  no  more 

To  be  dissolved,  till  this  great  crisis  pass  ! 

Now  Satan  comes,  disguised  as  once  before  ; 

Disguise  could  none  deceive,  but  those  themselves 

Did  first  deceive  and  blind  ;  for  eyes  not  closed 

By  bigotry,  could  such  bold  falsity 

Detect.     To  these  as  messenger  of  light 

He  seems,  and  thus  addresses  nattering  speech: 

"  Ye  men  of  wisdom  deep,  and  firmness  large? 

Proud  may  ye  be  of  your  renown'd  debate, 

And  just  decision  made  !     This  land  entire 

With  acclamation  rings,  and  due  applause 

On  you  bestowed.     Well  may  ye  boast  your  fame 

And  ancient  origin  ;  but  more,  far  more, 

Your  recent  deeds  of  glory,  which  do  add 

A  double  glory  to  your  fame,  if  add  you  can, 

To  that  which  perfect  is,  nor  more  can  have  ! 

Rome  in  the  zenith  of  her  pride —  to  whom 


124 

Ye  bow  as  tributary  power  ;  not  fit 

As  'tis,  the  servant  should  as  master  sit  — 

Could  not  such  senate  boast ;  grave,  learned  in  law, 

And  eloquence  of  native  sort,  not  taught 

In  schools,  mechanical  and  frigid  more, 

Than  coruscations  pale  at  northern  pole  ; 

But  such  as  moves  to  grand  and  just  results  I 

But  while  I  speak  this  great  impostor's  yet 

At  large  !     What's  done  is  well.     What  need  ye  more. 

But  judgment  pass'd  enforce  ?     Him  lurking  ye 

Shall  find  in  secret  place,  as  criminal 

From  justice  fled  !     His  followers,  faithful  men  — 

Worthy  of  better  cause  and  rich  reward, 

Fidelity  ensures  to  deeds  of  praise  — 

Deceived,  round  Him  as  body  guard  encamp, 

And  strictest  watch  maintain.     But  stratagem 

Shall  well  effect  what  force  may  not  attempt ; 

As  frequent  disaffection  makes  in  ranks 

A  breach,   where  valiant  hosts  would  be  repulsed! 

Among  this  faithful  number  —  faithful  where 

Disloyalty  were  virtue  —  there  is  one, 

Judas  by  name,  of  noble  mind  and  bold, 

Fitted  this  honored  enterprise  to  head, 

And  such  assistance  give  to  apprehend 

Our  common  foe,  as  ye  may  need.     From  first, 

Although  as  one  of  His  disciples  known, 

He  was  not  duped,  but  His  integrity 

Held  fast,  and  independency  of  mind 

Evinced.     In  hopes  of  gain,  He  was  induced 

To  join  their  band,  not  lured  by  promise  large 

And  vain,  of  future  good  ;  if  haply  He 

Might  hold  their  treasured  wealth.     Him  hither,  I 

Will  send.     With  whom  confer  and  measures  take 

To  bring  this  matter  to  an  end.     Whilst  I, 


125 

Meanwhile  required  by  cause  of  truth,  speed  on 
To  distant  fields  of  neeJy  toil,  and  large !  " 
So  spoke  the  fiend,  arch  enemy  to  God! 
To  whom  with  one  consent  they  credence  gave, 
As  'twere  the  will  of  God  revealed,  in  stream 
Of  inspiration  poured  from  fount  divine ! 
So  work  delusive  charms  on  minds  deceived, 
Who  will  not  truth  receive  and  hate  the  light ! 

Now  on  the  mount  of  Olivet,  the  Son 
Of  God  in  musing  sadness  stood,  and  looked 
With  eye  of  melting  pity  down  upon 
Jerusalem  !    The  city  outspread  wide, 
Lay  at  his  feet  like  pictured  map,  and  fair 
To  view  as  fancied  place  of  fairy  tale, 
In  imaged  beauty  drawn !     Her  walls  and  towers 
And  lofty  battlements  of  threatening  look, 
Defying  troops  of  foes,  whom  God  defied 
Stretching  far  west  and  south  amid  tall  trees, 
And  outline  dim  of  towering  hills,  were  lost! 
Along  the  brow  of  famed  Moriah's  mount, 
Sacred  to  all  the  chosen  seed  —  where  once 
The  Patriarch,  his  son,  as  sacrifice 
To  God.  in  figure  offered  up,  and  him 
Received  to  life  again  —  the  northern  wall 
Ran  straight ;  Jehoshaphat's  deep  vale, 
With  Cedron's  dark  and  flowing  stream  below  ! 
Whilst  far  o'er  Zion's  hill  —  so  fondly  sung 
By  ancient  bards  of  God  in  sacred  strains, 
To  which  all  Christian  hearts  responsive  beat — 
Rose  high  the  southern  wall,  with  Hinnom's  vale, 
Where  Judah's  sons  apostatized  from  God, 
Their  children  sacrificed  at  Moloch's  shrine  — 
Spread  wide  and  dreary  seemed  —  symbolic  hell! 
11* 


126 


Here  Jesus  stood  and  looked,  and  felt,  and  wept ' 

And  thus  the  heart's  sad  feeling  poured,  in  strains 

Of  sorrow  forth  :     "  Alas  !     Jerusalem ! 

Jerusalem  !     Thou  city  fair,  once  loved 

By  Zion's  King,  and  dwelling  place  of  God ! 

Beautiful  once  for  situation !  styled 

The  joy  of  earth  !     The  prophets  thou  hast  kill'd, 

And  those  in  mercy  sent  to  thee,  to  show 

Thy  sons  the  way  of  peace !     Thy  children  oft, 

Would  I  have  gathered  home  to  God,  but  they 

Would  not !     Now  desolation,  like  a  cloud 

Hangs  threatening  o'er  thy  head  ;  ere  long  shall  burst 

And  sweep  Thy  loveliness  from  earth  !     The  day 

Shall  come  —  not  distant  far  —  thy  enemies 

Shall  compass  thee  around,  and  keep  thee  in 

On  every  side !     Thy  walls  and  proudest  towers 

Lay  low  ;  nor  leave  one  stone  in  order  laid, 

Of  all  thy  dwellings  fair !     Jerusalem  ! 

Jerusalem!     Oh!  hadst  thou  known  in  this 

Thy  day,  the  way  of  peace !     But  now  'tis  hid 

Forever  from  thine  eyes  !     Ye  shall  not  see 

Me  hence  till  ye  shall  say  blessed  is  He, 

That  cometh  in  the  name  of  God,  Most  High  !  " 

Thus  He  denounced  God's  vengeance  just  on  those 

Who  would  not  hear  his  word,  with  broken  heart 

And  interrupted  speech  —  his  utterance  broke 

By  sighs  and  tears!     Nor  inconsistent  this  : 

As  man  of  sympathetic  heart,  he  wept! 

As  God  of  attributes  divine,  he  spoke ! 

Here  too  behold  an  exhibition  kind, 

Of  highest  love  !     Compassion  pure,  divine  ? 

Benevolence  refined,  above  what  men 

Or  angels  feel !    Ye  waiting  angels,  poised 


127 

On  radiant  wing,  now  hovering  round  the  Son  ! 

Can  ye  the  mystery  of  these  tears  explain, 

In  language  used  in  courts  above  ?     Or  find 

In  Heaven's  own  copiousness  of  phrase  and  song, 

Fit  numbers  to  rehearse  this  scene  to  hosts 

On  high,  when  ye  return  ?     Here  you  may  pause 

In  wonder  wrapt,  nor  think  to  explore  the  vast 

Profound  of  Jesus'  love  !     Ye  giddy  ones 

Of  earth !  whose  days  are  spent  in  revelry 

And  mirth  ;  who  pass  the  Saviour  by,  nor  heed 

His  sorrowing  mien  and  outstretched  arm  to  you  ; 

O,  wonder  not  at  what  He  felt  —  though  angels  may  — 

Nor  think  it  strange  that  Jesus  wept!     He  wept 

Not  o'er  himself,  though  scorned  ;  o'er  man  as  doom'd 

To  hopeless  woe,  for  base  ingratitude 

And  sin,  He  wept,  nor  could  His  tears  withhold! 

And  such  his  ministers  should  be.     Their  hearts 

Should  feel  the  word  themselves  to  others  speak. 

Not  with  vain  trifling  air,  most  awful  truths 

Repeat  in  studied  forms  of  elegance, 

To  please  fastidious  taste,  nor  mourn  results 

When  truth's  despised  ;  but  weep  in  secret  place  ; 

Like  Jeremiah,  weep  o'er  pride,  when  man 

Rejects  and  mad  defies  Jehovah's  arm 

Omnipotent,  made  bare,  upraised  to  strike, 

With  whetted  sword,  the  rebel  down  !     And  such 

Was  Paul,  who  warned  with  tears,  both  day  and  night, 

The  sinner,  who,  without  repentance,  faith 

And  prayer,  must  meet  eternal  wrath  !     He  felt 

Oppressive  weight  of  sorrowing  heart,  for  those 

Who  held  relationship  with  him  and  Christ ; 

Who  zeal  and  perseverance  had,  in  works 

The  law  required,  but  destitute  of  faith, 


123 


Could  not  be  saved  !     For  them  he  wished  himself 

Accursed  from  Christ  —  if  tl  at  perchance  could  work 

Redemption  sought,  from  hell  —  So  deep  he  felt 

Solicitude  for  those  exposed  to  woe ! 

Ye  ministers  profess'd  !  who  never  feel 

As  Jesus  felt  ;  whose  hearts  are  never  fill'd 

With  bitterness  for  man  coademn'd,  and  hence 

Exposed  to  pains  of  second  death  ;  but  give 

The  lie  most  palpable  to  what  ye  preach, 

By  fond  applause  oft  sought  of  man,  and  not 

Of  God  :     Far  better  ye  should  never  tread 

Again  His  holy  courts,  as  once  ye  trod  ; 

But  there  record  in  ever  during  form, 

Your  guilt  and  penitence  to  God  confess'd ! 

An  ancient  bard,  of  God  inspired,  who  lived 

When  Judah's  sons  rebuilt  the  Temple,  sung 

Of  Jesus  thus  :     "  Rejoice  aloud  !  O,  thou 

Daughter  of  Zion  .'     Shout !    O,  daughter  blest, 

Of  loved  Jerusalem  !     Behold  !  thy  King, 

Having  salvation,  cometh  !     He  is  just  : 

No  royal  equipage  or  state  is  his  — 

Riding  an  ass,  and  meek,  behold,  He  comes  !  " 

Now  Jesus  came,  as  was  by  ancient  seers 

Declared.     The  people  saw  their  King  approach, 

And  caught  enthusiastic  glow  of  pride 

Or  patriotism,  or  inspiration  true 

Of  Holy  Spirit's  fire  — if  that  could  be  — 

For  God  designed  in  spite  of  pharisee 

And  priest,  and  hell  combined,  in  triumph  now 

His  Son  should  enter  Z  ion's  ancient  gates  ! 

In  crowds  the  people  rush,  ambitious  all 

To  honor  Him  they  soon  despise !    Him  meet 

With  waving  branches  of  the  palm,  and  shout 


129 

Hosanna  to  the  King  of  Israel  blest, 

Who  comes  in  name  of  God !     He  came  to  keep 

The  feast  —  the  last  that  He  would  keep  !     At  night 

Sat  down  with  His  disciples  loved,  to  break 

The  bread  He  ne'er  again  would  break  !  to  drink 

The  cup,  no  more  He'd  drink,  till  new  He'd  drink 

It  in  his  Father's  kingdom !     Solemn  hour 

Of  meditation  deep  and  mournful  thought ! 

Their  eyes  were  turned  upon  their  Lord.     His  voice 

Soon  heard,  in  mellow  tones  addressed,  relieved 

The  sad  suspense  which  silence  had  imposed  : 

u  I  now  must  go  and  leave  you  in  the  world ! 

I  will  not  leave  you  comfortless  —  My  peace 

Shall  still  with  you  abide  !     The  Holy  Ghost, 

The  Comforter,  shall  dwell  within  your  breasts, 

To  guide  you  into  truth —  all  truth  ;  but  not 

To  give  impulsion  blind  to  doubtful  acts  : 

Impressions  strong,  of  lessons  taught  by  Me  , 

Before,  the  Spirit  on  your  hearts  shall  make, 

And  hence  through  truth,  shall  lead  to  truth,  and  what 

The  truth  requires !     And  He,  your  comforts  too. 

Shall  well  enlarge.     My  promises  secured 

To  you,  at  highest  courts  —  My  power  shall  there 

Prevail  —  applied  by  Him,  shall  aid  impart 

In  darkest  hours !     Why  then  should  sprrpw  fill 

Your  hearts  ?     Orphans  ye  shall  not  be  !     But  I, 

O'er  you  my  guardian  care  will  still  exert !  " 

Their  feelings  deep,  with  interest  new,  now  clothed 

His  speech !     They  seemed  to  hang  upon  His  words' 

Their  lives  suspended  on  His  lips  !     And  none 

Of  them  could  ask,  "  Lord,  whither  goest  Thou?  " 

The  Lord  resumed  :     "  I  go  to  meet  My  death  ! 

Well  pleased  to  meet  that  death  which  God  ordained  ; 

But  wounded  in  the  house  of  friends, 


130 

Hy  one  of  you  betrayed !    Their  pent-up  grief,    • 

Like  smothered  force  of  some  volcanic  fire, 

Struggling  for  vent,  burst  forth  at  length,  in  words 

Of  loudest  wail,  and  each  inquiring  spoke, 

'•'  Lord,  is  it  I  ?  "     Then  Jesus  answered  calm  : 

'•'  'Tis  he  to  whom  I  give  the  sop."     Then  gave 

To  Judas,  who,  then  frowning  left  the  scene, 

Which  angels  could  not  contemplate  unmoved, 

Plotting  dark  mischief  'gainst  the  Son  of  God ! 

Now  Satan,  having  failed  in  all  attempts 

Before,  to  conquer  Christ,  resolved  at  once 

To  enter  Judas  :     him  through  hopes  of  wealth 

Deceive,  to  act  as  traitor  and  betray 

The  Lord  !     Fit  habitation  for  such  guest ! 

A  man  of  blackest  heart  and  devilish  mind  ; 

A  devil  called  by  Him  who  can  not  err  — 

By  Him  who  knows  the  heart  —  can  read  its  thougths, 

As  lettered  book  of  execution  fair, 

Is  read  by  man  —  when  covered  deep  and  dark, 

The  motive  lies  ;  to  which  the  outward  act, 

Alone  as  index  points,  nor  known  before, 

To  observation  strict  or  eye  of  man  ! 

A  thief!  who  loved  ill-treasured  wealth,  and  talk'd  — 

As  hypocrites,  who  large  professions  make. 

When  charity  's  diffusive  made  —  of  waste 

When  Mary  poured  the  costly  ointment  cweet, 

On  Jesus'  head  ;  by  Him  approved  and  blest, 

As  proud  memorial  of  her  deep-felt  love ! 

Vile  man,  he  loved  not  God !     Profess'd  to  love 

The  poor  ;  but  cared  for  such,  as  hypocrites 

For  cause  of  truth!     Him,  Jesus  had  reproved 

For  avaricious  thought;  that  he  despised 

And  sought  revenge  !    The  fiend  !  what  would  he  else  ? 

His  filthy  soul,  now  moved  by  hellish  springs, 


131 

Nor  awed  by  Jesus'  presence  —  him  he'd  left  — 
Determined  soon  for  gold  to  sell  his  Lord '. 

The  sanhedrim,  disturbed,  and  anxious  sat, 

Waiting  return  of  officers  sent  out 

To  take  the  foe.     These,  overawed  by  words 

Of  majesty,  returned,  but  brought  Hitn  not! 

Before  them  now  appears  a  man,  with  look 

Of  stern  resentment  on  his  down-cast  brow, 

Imprinted  deep.     Suspicious  seemed,  as  one 

From  justice  'scaped,  with  dark  design  impell'd  .' 

His  eye  with  fitful  glance  surveyed  the  hall 

And  all  the  court.     The  sanhedrim  returned 

His  look  ;  with  interest  watched  this  stranger  come. 

Waiting  some  message  big  with  import,  which 

Should  bring  relief  to  minds  embarrass'd  long, 

And  weary  grown  with  watchfulness  and  care  ! 

At  length,  when  curiosity  was  raised 

To  utmost  height,  the  stranger  silence  broke, 

And  thus  inquired  :     "  What  will  ye  give,  and  I 

Will  sell  this  vile  impostor  to  your  hand  ? 

Well  known  to  me  His  haunts,  where  He  retires 

With  His  disciples,  and  pretending  bows 

In  prayer  and  supplication  to  His  God  ! 

From  me  He  can  not  'scape  ;  nor  will  suspect 

Me  as  a  traitor  to  His  cause,  who  once 

Such  firm  adherence  proved      Who  followed  where 

He  led,  by  day  and  night,  through  hunger,  cold 

And  heat  ;  nor  aught  my  own,  could  call  on  earth  ? 

My  salutation,  now  as  erst  shall  He 

Receive  :     Him  ye  shall  know,  whom  I  shall  kiss, 

And  hail  as  Master  loved  !     To  me  confide 

The  conduct  of  this  great  affair.     What  think 

Ye  now  ?  will  give  my  price  ?  "    With  quick  despatch 


132 

Him  they  secured  and  gave  the  price  he  ask'd  — 

The  thirty  pieces  —  value  of  His  Lord  ! 

The  price  for  which  he  bartered  heaven,  to  gain 

The  pains  of  hell !     Ah  !  better  'twould  have  been, 

That  he  had  ne'er  been  born  !  nor  seen  the  light ! 

Nor  ever  lent  his  ear  to  sound  !    nor  moved 

His  slanderous  tongue  to  speak  Messiah's  name  ! 

The  wakeful  din  of  active  life,  is  hushed 
To  slumbering  stillness  now  in  Palestine. 
Season  of  rest  for  man  and  beast :  the  last 
To  caverns  deep,  the  first  to  wonted  couch 
Repair.     All  save  the  watchman  in  his  tower  — 
Who  nightly  cries  "  all's  well ,"  when  councils  dark, 
Foretoken  ill  —  and  those  on  mischief  bent : 
Determined,  well  or  ill,  that  Christ  shall  die! 
Now  while  the  nickering  taper  casts  dim  light 
Around  the  court,  where  scribes,  and  pharisees 
And  priests,  in  gloomy  conclave  sit  —  their  deeds 
As  dark  as  pall  of  night  now  o'er  them  spread  — 
The  moon  soft  tinges  with  her  silvery  light 
The  ancient  olives  green,  whose  shadowy  groves 
And  arbors  clad  with  creeping  vines,  rich  dress 
And  grace  impart  to  lone  Gethsemane. 
Here  Jesus  now  retires.     Here  oft  retired, 
When  night  dews  fell  upon  His  lovely  form 
And  howling  winds  swept  by,  to  pour  His  soul 
All  out  in  prayer,  and  there  sweet  converse  hold 
With  God.     O,  sacred  spot,  so  oft  bedewed 
With  Jesus'  tears !  now  witness  of  His  groans 
And  agonies !     His  time  at  hand,  takes  two 
Of  Zebedee's  sons  and  Peter,  (others  watch,) 
Aside,  and  thus  exclaims  :     ' ( Now  is  My  soul 
With  sorrow  overwhelmed  —  baptized  with  grief!  " 


133 

Then  bade  these  also  watch,  whilst  He  withdrew  ; 
(Fatigued  they  could  not  watch,  but  fell  asleep  !) 
Three  times  withdrew  and  fell  upon  His  face ! 
Meanwhile  the  sweat,  profuse  as  drops  of  blood, 
Gushed  forth  from  every  pore  —  so  great  His  grief! 
And  thus  to  God,  His  plaint  makes  known,  each  time 
The  same  :     "My  Father,  O,  let  pass  this  cup, 
If  that  may  be  ;  if  not,  Thy  will  be  done ! 

0  save  Me  from  this  hour  ;  but  for  this  cause 

1  came  to  meet  this  hour.     Thy  will  be  done !  " 
Sinner  !  behold  with  agony,  the  Son 

Of  God  now  prostrate  lay !     What  agony 

Is  His  !     Behold  Him  now  with  faltering  step, 

Approach  His  death  —  that  death  He  came  to  die! 

What  mystery  is  here !     How  dark  the  cloud 

O'erhangs  this  scene,  without  the  piercing  light 

Of  God  !     His  Father's  face  withdrawn,  and  left 

To  feel  as  man,  the  tempter's  power  !     To  feel 

The  weight  of  sin — concentred  wrath  of  God  ! 

See  here  the  travail  of  His  soul  for  man, 

Who  else  could  not  be  saved !     The  Just  One  now 

Suffering  for  sin,  that  whosoe'er  believes 

On  Him,  may  be  accounted  just  with  God  ! 

Now  hovering  near,  aloft  in  air,  is  seen 

A  shape,  unearthly  in  its  form  and  bright  — 

A  sun  at  mid-night  seems,  dispelling  night. 

It  proved  an  angel,  timely  sent,  the  Son 

To  reinstate  in  power  and  grace  again  ! 

This  done ;  the  conflict  o'er  with  death  and  hell  ; 

The  Saviour  now  exulting  speaks,  as  if 

'  Twere  pass'd  :     "  The  Son  of  man's  betrayed !     Arise 

From  sleep  !     Let  us  go  hence  ;  behold,  they  come  !  " 

The  rolling  stream  with  channel  wide,  deep  notch'd, 
When  earth  in  form  uprose  from  eldest  floods, 
12 


134 

Sweeping  in  majesty  through  richest  plains — 

The  meadows  burdened  with  their  promised  store 

Of  winter  food  for  strolling  herds,  at  will 

Cropping  the  herbage  now  of  pastures  green, 

Nature's  fair  carpet,  spread  through  lengthen'd  vales  ; 

The  woodland  hills,  with  verdant  beauty  crown'd, 

Where  warbling  song  of  sweetest  note  is  heard  ; 

Luxuriant  fields  of  ripening  grain,  with  hue 

Of  gold,  continuous  waving  o'er  the  land, 

Like  undulations  mild  of  Ocean's  swell  — 

As  well  the  distant  mountains,  blending  soft 

Their  fading  tints  with  azure  sky  —  proclaim 

That  God  is  good!     How  good  to  send  His  Son, 

To  suffer  pangs  of  hell  for  man,  hear  one 

Inspired  :     "  He  spared  Him  not !  but  freely  gave 

Him  up ! "     As  culprits  given  by  justice  up, 

To  meet  reward  of  crime,  so  God  gave  up 

His  Son  to  meet  for  man,  result  of  sin  — 

To  feel  stern  justice'  sword  transfix  His  soul ! 

What  holy  love  !     The  embodied  love  of  Heaven ! 

The  gathered  rays  of  strong  celestial  fire, 

Burning  indelibly  upon  His  heart 

The  glowing  truth  — Thy  death  must  be  the  life 

Of  myriads  dead !     Intensity  of  love  ! 

What  sensibilities  were  His !    How  deep 

The  fountain  of  that  love !     As  deep  as  sin! 

That  turbid  current  flowing  down  to  hell ! 

I  would  that  mine  were  such  a  heart !     O  Lord! 

Vouchsafe  Thy  grace  and  give  me  such  a  heart! 

A  heart,  whose  sensibilities  acute, 

Shall  ready  impress  take  from  seal  divine ! 

A  heart,  whose  deep  affections,  pure 

And  free,  as  those  that  flowed  from  Jesus'  soul, 

Shall  pour  at  morn,  at  noon;  at  eve,  a  tide 


135 

Of  prayer  aad  sympathetic  love  oa  maa ! 
Not  there  to  waste  its  flow ;  but  rising  reach 
Its  source  again,  which  thence  reflective  sends 
To  this,  else  barren  world,  the  blessing  sought  I 
Withhold  all  else  Thou  wilt !    Deny  not  this ! 

Leading  a  band  with  lamps  aad  torches  bright, 

Which  marked  their  course  ;  (the  lamp  of  night  was  gone,) 

Armed  as  against  a  thief  with  staves  and  swords, 

Now  Judas  urged  by  Satan  on,  (hig  will, 

All  mental  power  aad  physical,  to  him 

Subservient,)  swift  advancing,  comes  to  meet 

The  Lord  and  His  disciples,     "  Whom  seek  ye  ?  " 

Aloud  demands  the  Son  of  God,  with  voice 

ShalljWake  the  dead,  when  he  in  glory  comes! 

As  troops  aggressive  checked  by  sudden  fire, 

And  routed,  when  with  hopes  of  victory  flush'd  ; 

So  these  stood  fixed,  then  backward  fell  to  earth, 

Repuls'd  by  Jesus'  word !     This  done  to  show 

They  could  succeed  but  by  consent  alone  — 

His  time  now  come,  to  stern  necessity 

Divine  would  yield,  and  not  to  powers  of  earth  — 

Inquires  again  :     "  Whom  seek  ye  thus  ?  "    If  Me 

Ye  seek,  let  these  their  wonted  ways  depart! 

So  pleads  exemption  kind  for  His !  as  said 

Jehovah  by  the  word  :     "  The  shepherd,  I* 

Will  smite.     The  sheep  will  scatter  hence  !  " 

Encouraged  by  such  free  permission  given, 

Judas  approached  and  kiss'd  the  Lord.     The  last 

Shall  give  !     Sad  seal  of  infidelity 

Most  base  that  heaven  e'er  saw,  till  paralleled 

By  those  at  Rome,  who  sat  in  papal  chair  : 

Yicais  of  Christ  on  earth,  pretended !     Lambs 

*  Zech.  xiii   7. 


136 

Speaking  with  lion's  voice  !     Professing  love 

To  God,  in  works  denied  !     Usurping  powers 

He  never  gave — deposed  the  kings  of  earth, 

And  drank  the  blood  of  saints  from  golden  cup  ! 

Sons  of  perdition  !  they  betrayed  the  Lord ! 

The  chalice  of  His  wrath,  ere  long  shall  drink 

Unmixed,  when  Babylon  the  great  shall  fall ! 

The  signal  given,  the  band  approach  and  bind 

The  Saviour,  as  a  murderer,  whom,  through  fear 

Of  foul  resistance,  strict  necessity 

Makes  sure !     Oh !  shameful  deed !   and  shameless  men 

Lost  to  all  sense  of  moral  worth  and  fame ! 

Ye  midnight  clouds,  thick  gather  o'er  the  scene, 

Eclipse  in  darkest  night  this  darker  shame, 

Lest  the  wide  concave  blush  at  such  a  sight, 

And  mourning  stars  weep  floods  to  drown  the  world ! 

Him  bound,  they  led  before  the  court.     As  sheep 

Before  her  shearers  dumb,  He  opened  not 

His  mouth!     Arraigned,  He  answered  not !     Nor  plead 

Exemption  for  Himself  from  deepest  ills 

That  hellish  machination  could  invent ! 

From  hence  to  Pilate's  judgment  seat,  and  thence 

To  Herod  sent,   (for  Pilate  knew  that  He 

From  Herod's  jurisdiction  came.)     Here  mocked 

And  set  at  naught ;  arrayed  in  gorgeous  robe 

Of  majesty  ;  by  brutal  soldiery 

Despised  ;  remanded  thence  to  Pilate's  bar  — 

The  last  tribunal,  cognizance  should  take 

Of  this  important  case !     Ah  !  wicked  man ! 

Dishonored  Christ,  to  honor  Herod  more ! 

So  these  before  at  enmity  had  lived, 

By  mutual  sin  'gainst  Him  were  reconciled  ! 

As  frequent  since,  great  men  of  earth  have  leagued, 


137 

When  sacred  truth  was  sold  and  Christ  betrayed ! 
Pilate,  forewarn'd  by  dream  his  wife  that  day 
Had  had  concerning  Christ,  to  him  promulged, 
Whilst  due  deliberation  held  awhile 
The  waiting  crowd,  by  form  of  law,  so  used  — 
Wavered  in  judgment,  so  through  fear  demurred, 
And  questioned  oft  the  clamorous  rout,  who  still 
Held  firm,  because  of  proof  suborned,  that  He 
Of  treason  stood  convicted  clear,  and  hence 
Must  die !     But  Pilate  sought  the  more  to  shun 
Participation  in  the  deed  —  a  deed 
Of  doubtful  issue  marked,  to  Him  it  seemed  ; 
Till  one  as  organ  of  the  whole,  their  will 
And  sentence  to  communicate,  stepp'd  forth, 
And  thus  remarked :     "If  thou  let  this  man  go, 
Thou  art  not  Caesar'  s  friend.     Does  he  not  claim 
To  be  a  king  ?     A  case  of  treason  foul, 
'  Gainst  Caesar,  clear  as  noon-tide  sun,  when  clouds 
Are  scattered  by  his  rays !     Caesar's  thy  friend  : 
Wouldst  thou  his  friendship  barter  for  a  dream  ? 
As  custom  bids,  release  Barabbas  now, 
A  robber,  true  ,•  but  pure  in  character, 
Beside  this  malefactor  vile,  who  makes 
Himself  the  king  of  Jews  !  and  moves  the  crowd 
To  deeds  seditious  most  and  secret  crimes  ! 
Let  Him  be  crucified !"    This  word,  quick  through 
The  rabble  host  in  echoing  peels  rang  loud, 
Rending  the  air  in  universal  shout, 
"  Let  Him  be  crucified  !     Release  Him  not !  " 
In  token  then  of  innocence  not  his, 
Pilate,  with  water  washed  his  hands,  (not  clean 
Of  guilt,)  next  scourged,  then  gave  the  Saviour  up  ! 
Full  license  gained,  the  soldiers  now  with  haste. 
Not  sensible  to  pity,  drag  Him  forth 
12* 


138 

To  the  Praetorian  hall,  where  tauntingly 

They  hail  Him  King  !     His  form  with  purple  robe 

Invest,  as  sign  of  royalty.     His  due  ; 

(Acceded  in  derision,  not  in  truth !) 

With  thorns  his  head  entwine,  which  piercing  deep 

Bring  crimson  currents  forth  from  hallowed  brows, 

Which  many  crowns  shall  wear  !     The  mimic  reed 

Bestow,  then  bow  the  knee  in  mockery, 

And  heap  with  lavish  hand,  indignities 

Upon  His  head  !     Ye  puny  worms  of  earth ! 

Ye  know  not  whom  ye  thus  insult !     Nor  know    . 

That  He,  who  passive  bears  your  cruel  gibes, 

Now  holds  the  thunder  in  his  fists,  could  hurl 

To  bottomless  abyss,  your  wicked  hosts, 

Who,  oft  unhurt  have  braved  the  battles'  storm  ;  . 

But  stays  through  intercession  kind,  not  sought, 

The  Father's  wrath  o'ercharged,  else  deepest  hell, 

Would  instant  be  your  fate,  eternal  sealed  ! 

Surrounded  by  a  motely  host  of  scribes, 
Priests,  pharisees  and  people  —  common  herds  — 
Together  with  the  Roman  cohorts  armed, 
Bearing  his  cross,  with  feeble  step  and  slow, 
Toward  Calvary  now  Jesus  goes  !    The  crowd, 
Incensed,  they  know  not  why,  nor  sympathy 
Nor  sorrow  feel  for  Him  oppress'd,  till  grown 
Weary.  He  sinks  beneath  the  cursed  load ! 
Another  then,  late  from  the  country  come, 
They  press  to  bear  it  to  the  fatal  spot ! 
Now  thirstihg  for  His  blood,  as  ravening  beasts 
For  prey,  when  hunger  fierce  impels  them  on, 
They  hurry  to  its  consummation  soon, 
Their  crowning  act  of  most  malignant  hate  ! 
Here  on  the  cross  erect,  between  two  thieves. 


139 

With  arms  extended,  held  by  rugged  spikes 

Infixed — -His  body's  weight  suspended  thus  — 

Bleeding  and  fainting,  dying,  Jesus  hangs! 

Ah  !  who  can  tell  the  measure  of  His  pain  ? 

Those  dying  pangs!  that  burning  thirst!  that  sense, 

How  keen  !  of  gracious  approbation  lost ! 

(The  while  His  Father's  countenance  withdrawn.) 

When  loud  He  agonizing  cries  :     "  My  God, 

Why  hast  forsaken  me  ?  "     But  at  His  pain. 

Behold  they  scoff!     To  slake  His  thirst,  they  give 

Him  gall  and  vinegar  to  drink !     And  yet 

He  prays,  "My  Father!  O,  forgive;  they  know 

Not  what  they  do  ! "     Was  ever  love  like  this  ? 

Not  satisfied  with  that,  which  hell  might  own 

As  satisfaction  vast,  for  vengeance  loved  ; 

They  pierce  His  side  with  martial  spear,  whence  flows 

Rich  blood  and  water  forth  —  for  sinners  spill'd! 

Then  priests  and  scribes,  whom  Satan  moved,  that  they 

Might  triumph  in  His  name  —  for  this  is  now, 

His  hour  and  powers  of  darkness  —  pass  Him  by. 

Wagging  their  heads  and  mocking  say  :     "If  thou 

Be  Christ,  the  King  of  Israel?  save  Thyself 

And  us.     He  others  saved,  Himself  can  not ! 

Let  Christ,  the  King  of  Israel,  now  descend 

From  thence,  that  we  may  see,  and  so  believe."      f. 

Thus  Jesus  died  !     Amid  this  scene  He  breathed 

His  spirit  out,  an  oflfering  pure  for  Heaven  ! 

Now  supernatural  night,  as  pall  of  death, 

Covers  the  land,  as  if  the  funeral  hour 

Of  earth  had  come  !     The  rending  rocks  ;  the  earth 

Trembling  ;  the  opening  graves  ;  the  shattered  veil  ; 

Nature's  dread  agony  attest !    The  sun 

In  darkness  hides  his  beams  —  by  hand 


140 

Of  God  put  out,  as  flickering  taper  quench'd  ! 

The  heavens  put  on  their  deepest  weeds  of  woe  ! 

The  stars  look  forth  in  gloom,  and  o'er  the  cross 

Cluster,  as  orphan  children,  crushed  with  grief. 

Bending  in  sadness  o'er  their  father  dead  ! 

Three  hours  creation  mourned  o'er  Jesus  slain! 

Nor  cheerful  seemed  !  nor  mourned  alone.     All  His. 

Who  loved  and  followed  Him,  in  sorrow  mourned, 

And  wandered  forth  as  chance  might  lead,  like  sheep 

Scattered,  without  the  shepherd's  guiding  care  ! 

They  thought  that  Israel  would  have  been  redeemed  ; 

But  how,  or  when,  or  what  redemption  was, 

They  could  not  tell !     But  one  thing  knew  and  felt, 

Their  Lord  was  dead  !     And  with  Him,  died  their  hopes 

Of  all  the  promised  good  to  Israel  due  — 

Due,  not  by  merit,  but  by  gracious  word  — 

So  little  knew  of  His  design  !     So  weak 

Their  faith  !     He  died  —  for  what?     They  could  nottell ! 

But  faith  replies  —  that  man  may  go  to  heaven ! 

Heaven!     Glorious  heaven!     I  love  to  muse  on  heaven  ! 

At  meditation's  calm  and  holy  hour, 

Of  evening  shade,  or  morning's  dawn,  to  rove 

By  river's  bank,  beneath  the  sloping  hill, 

With  verdant  coppice  fringed,  and  shady  oaks 

Arranged  with  tasteful  hand,  by  Him  I  love 

Above  all  friends  ;  with  gentle  cascade's  hum, 

(Small  voice  of  God,  for  thus  He  speaks,  as  well 

As  in  the  thunder's  roar,)  through  balmy  air, 

Faint  breaking  on  my  ear  ;  with  cottage  roofs, 

'  Mid  clustering  trees  and  village  spire  —  the  rays 

Of  closing  day,  or  early  glittering  beams 

Of  fresh,  inspiring  morn,  reflecting  far  — 

In  distant  view.     '  Tis  here  I  love  to  think 

Of  God  and  heaven,  and  harps  of  gold,  soft  tuned 


141 

To  melody  •  and  crowns  by  victors  worn, 

Through  Jesus  gained  ;  and  friends  redeemed  from  earth. 

Singing  with  angel  voice  the  praise  of  God, 

Whom  I  shall  meet :     And  here  I  love  to  pray  ; 

To  offer  sacrifice  of  praise  at  morn, 

And  eve,  and  breathe  on  earth  the  atmosphere 

Of  God  !     Anticipated  heaven !     O,  this 

Is  happiness  below!     But  what  compared 

To  happiness  above  !  where  faith  is  lost, 

And  hope,  in  ocean  vast  of  blissful  love  ! 


SATAN  CONQUERED,  &c. 
EOOK  V. 


The  first  day  of  the  week,  cometh  Mary  Magdalene  early, 
when  it  was  yet  dark,  trnto  the  sepulchre,  and  seeth  the  stone 
taken  away  from  the  sepulchre. 

JOHN  xx.  1. 

That  through  death  He  might  destroy  him  that  had  the 
power  of  death,  that  is,  the  devil. 

HEB.  ii.  14. 

And  a  cloud  received  Him  out  of  their  sight. 

ACTS  i.  9. 

Sit  thou  on  My  right  hand,  until  I  make  thy  foes  thy  foot 
stool. 

Ps.  ex.  1  :     ACTS  ii.  34-35. 


BOOK    V. 


ERE  morning  broke  on  eastern  hills,  or  tinged 

With  blushing  light,  night's  dusky  clouds ;  or  erst 

The  twilight  grey  had  come  ;  two  female  forms* 

Were  seen  low  bending  o'er  the  sepulchre 

Of  Christ.     It  was  a  tomb  of  rock,  dug  out 

By  art  of  man  ;  wherein  no  man  was  laid 

Before.     They  came  to  seek  their  Saviour  dead ! 

With  spices  came,  and  ointments  to  embalm 

The  body  of  the  Lord !     (The  way  of  life, 

They  did  not  know  as  now  '  tis  known,  how  He 

Should  rise,  and  captive  lead  sin,  death  and  hell!) 

The  tomb  was  sealed,  the  Roman  guards,  as  charged, 

Kept  watch,  and  due  precaution  used,  to  hold 

His  body  prisoned  long.     Far  east,  while  dark, 

The  keepers  saw  a  form  approaching  fast, 

Bright  wing'd  with  heavenly  light,  above  the  sun ! 

In  majesty  it  moved  and  nearer  came, 

A  messenger  of  God  confest !     Around 

Whose  head,  red  lightnings  beamed  vindictive  wrath 

Against  those  men  who  dared  oppose  the  power 

Exerted  now  to  glorify  the  Son ; 

'  Twas  thus  ordained  in  heaven,  that  He  as  prince 

Of  life,  should  rise,  attended  by  His  guards. 

For  fear  of  these,  the  keepers  shook  and  fell 

Prostrate  to  earth  as  dead !     If  thus  they  fear 

The  emanation  of  His  power,  how  much 

Shall  fear  the  Lord  himself!     Earth  trembling,  heaved 

With  dread  convulsive  throes,  as  if  in  pangs, 

*  Matth.  xxviii.  1. 

13 


146 

To  bring  another  world  to  birth  !     The  stone 

Was  rolled  away !     The  crucified  came  forth 

To  life,  as  God,  in  form  divine  arrayed, 

And  glorious  to  the  eye  of  faith,  as  that 

Which  Peter  saw,  when  on  the  holy  hill, 

His  soul  was  wrapt,  then  awed  and  overwhelm'd  ! 

Free  passage  gained  — •  by  whom  it  was  not  known 

A  work  so  vast  was  done,  the  stone  was  great, 

And  they  had  questioned  how  it  could  be  done  — 

With  haste  they  entered  where  the  Lord  of  late 

Had  laid,  but  found  Him  not.     Instead  a  man, 

Clothed  in  white  garments,  flowing  down  to  earth, 

Sitting  beside  the  vacant  spot!     What  sense 

Of  mingled  grief  and  fear  —  conflicting  sore  — 

Now  rends  their  hearts !     They,  weeping  sought 

Their  Saviour  there  entombed,  and  Him  would  find  — 

By  sorrow  deep  impell'd  :     But  now  would  fly 

Affrighted  from  the  place,  once  sacred  held ! 

Sacred  as  burial  place  of  Him  they  loved. 

The  stationed  angel  posted  there,  to  make 

Report  of  what  was  done,  instructed  well 

In  upper  courts,  ere  sent,  by  God's  own  word, 

To  know  what  these  endured  for  Jesus'  sake, 

To  them  soft  words,  most  soothing  speech,  address'd  : 

"  Be  not  affrighted  ye,  who  seek  by  faith 

And  love,  the  Saviour  crucified  !     No  ills 

May  come  to  those  who  seek  Him  thus.     Believe 

What  He  has  said,  what  said  before  His  death  : 

He  is  not  here  !     Untenanted  He's  left 

This  prison  house  of  death  !     Hath  conquered  death ! 

As  once  He  said  :     'I  '11  be  thy  plague!  O,  death ! 

And  thy  destruction,  grave  !     I  will  redeem 

My  sons  from  death,  and  ransom  from  the  grave 

My  chosen  ones  !     Nor  shall  repentance  stay 


147 

The  vengeful  work,  till  hell  subdued  at  last, 

Shall  own  my  conquering  arm  and  judgment  just!  '* 

Now  come  behold  the  place  where  low  he  laid  — 

As  you  shall  lay  —  but  now  in  triumph  lives  ! 

Now  sings  the  victor's  song,  whose  echoing  strains, 

In  sweetest  numbers  roll  through  all  the  worlds 

Of  light ;  where  myriad  choirs  repeat  the  song 

And  roll  it  back  to  earth.     Thus  interchanged, 

The  raptured  notes  rise  high  and  higher  still, 

Till  all  the  universe  is  filled  with  praise  ; 

*  Loud  hallelujahs  to  the  Lamb,  who  once 

Was  dead  and  lives  again —  forever  lives! ' 

Mistake  me  not.     These  higher  notes  of  praise 

To  Him,  ye  can  not  sing  with  fleshly  tongues, 

Nor  yet  can  hear  with  ears  of  fleshly  mould ! 

A  state  preparatory  now  is  yours  — 

To  sing  His  praise  in  grovelling  strains,  (a  gift 

Ye  can  not  prize  too  high,  it  cost  His  blood  ;) 

To  love  with  carnal  hearts  renewed,  but  not 

Redeemed  from  earth  ;  to  fight  with  weapons,  He 

Shall  furnish  to  your  hand,  the  powers  of  hell; 

But  fear  ye  not.     The  Lord  hath  vanquished  him, 

Through  death,  who  had  the  power  of  death !     He  may 

Annoy  and  grieve,  but  can  not  harm.     His  fiends, 

Restricted  in  their  powers,  permitted  still 

To  skirt  the  camp  of  saints,  will  hurl  quite  oft 

Their  poisoned  shafts  in  hellish  showers,  to  vex 

The  godly  hosts  ;  but  fear  ye  not  their  rage 

Infernal.     Even  this  by  him  o'erruled, 

Shall  work  for  good  among  his  saints.     His  cause 

Promote,  though  seemingly  it  may  retard  ; 

And  finally  with  crowns,  unfading,  bright, 

The  victor's  head  adorn !     Why  lenient  He 

"  Iloseaxii.  14. 


148 

Appears,  where  naught  but  wrath  in  quenchless  fires, 

Should  burn  to  lowest  depths  of  hell,  the  end 

Shall  well  disclose.     Till  then  seek  not  to  know. 

Let  this  suffice  :     As  conquerors  from  the  field, 

Reserve  —  and  thus  enhance  the  glory  gained  — 

To  future  day,  their  triumph  show  ;  so  He 

Shall  bind  and  lead  in  captive  chains  the  prince 

Of  hell — man's  deadliest  foe  —  when  Gabriel's  blast 

Shall  wake,  and  congregate  the  nations  dead 

With  those  alive,  to  celebrate  the  deed ! 

Great  day  of  God  Almighty !  ushered  in 

By  angel  shouts  and  songs,  with  harps  of  gold, 

Attuned  that  day  anew !     The  herald  sons 

Of  light  shall  then  proclaim,  with  trump  of  God, 

The  battle  done  !     The  victory  gained  by  Christ 

The  Lord !     In  following  train  the  Son  shall  come, 

Riding  the  conqueror's  horse,  by  Him  one  day* 

On  Patmos  seen  ;  celestial  armies,  close 

In  rear,  all  dress'd  in  linen  white  and  clean! 

His  eyes  as  flames  of  fire  shall  then  appear, 

Flashing  with  vengeance  tow'rd  His  left  —  the  place 

Where  wicked  men  appointed  stand  —  but  soft 

With  pleasure  beaming  tow'rd  His  right  —  for  there 

His  chosen  ones  shall  stand.     Upon  His  head 

His  many  crowns,  rich  gemm'd,  reflecting  light 

Of  softest  ray,  shall  glorious  shine,  as  orbs 

Of  brightest  beam  admired  !     His  perfect  form, 

Clothed  in  a  vesture  dipp'd  in  blood,  the  sign 

Of  man  redeemed  and  triumph  over  hell, 

Shall  fill  the  ransomed  soul  with  ravished  bliss  — 

Whilst  on  His  front,  emblazoned  fair,  shall  glow 

His  name,  THE  WORD  OF  GOD,  in  characters 

Most  legible  to  all  the  hosts  of  earth ! 

*  Rev.  xix.  11-10. 


149 

No  one,  that  day,  will  dare  dispute  that  He 
Is  Son  of  God,  divine  ;  and  one  with  Him 
In  all  the  attributes  of  truth  !     But  Lord 
Of  all,  confess'd  by  all,  shall  reign  o'er  all 
The  sons  of  men  ;  for  e'en  the  wicked  then, 
Shall  bow  the  knee  to  Him,  confess  His  name, 
And  own  Him  King  of  kings !     Close  at  the  seat 
Of  God,  this  holy  pageant  then  shall  halt. 
That  Satan,  introduced  by  seraph  guards, 
Confined  in  massive  chains,  confused,  and  bowed 
With  covered  shame,  may  stand  before  the  Judge, 
Once  more  confronted  !     What  an  hour  of  woe  ! 
Each  moment  pregnant  with  ten  thousand  years 
Of  pain!     The  eye  of  God  inflicting  pangs, 
More  grievous  than  the  piercing  flames  of  hell! 
Then  writhing  to  and  fro,  like  Etna's  top, 
When  rocked  with  raging  fires  within,  shall  hear 
His  sentence  pass  :     '  Cast  him  alive  and  bound, 
Into  the  lake  of  fire,  to  plunge  and  howl 
Forever  in  the  billowy  flame ! '     Loud  then, 
The  voice  once  heard  by  favored  saint  of  God, 
Forth  issuing  from  the  throne,  shall  sound  afar 
O'er  hills,  and  plains,  and  mirror-surfaced  sea — * 
'  Praise  our  God,  ye  His  servants  !     Praise  Him,  ye 
That  fear  Him! '     And  the  voice  of  multitudes, 
Echoing  through  heaven  as  many  waters  roar, 
'  Hallelujah  !     Hallelujah  !     Amen ! 
For  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  doth  reign!  ' 
Ere  this  can  be,  the  Father's  grace,  through  Christ, 
Must  flourish  in  the  earth,  and  cultured,  bear 
Abundant  fruit.     And  Satan's  power  must  have 
Another  check.     A  thousand  years  shall  lief 
In  chains,  debarred  his  wonted  intercourse 

'  Rev.  XY.  2.  t  Rev,  xx.  1. 

13* 


150 

With  earth.     Then  persecutions,  wars,  shall  cease 

The  while,  and  peace  with  joy,  shall  bless  the  world  ! 

Return  and  fill  your  place  in  this  great  scheme, 

Nor  mourn  your  Saviour's  death.     For  now  through  death , 

He  lives !  shall  die  no  more  !     Him  shortly  you 

Shall  see  !     Tell  His  disciples  crush'd,  what  you 

Have  seen  and  heard."    Here  closed.    The  females  turned  -, 

With  weeping  left  the  place  where  once  they  sat,* 

With  mournful  joy  !  the  Saviour  met,  and  Him 

Addressed,  but  knew  Him  not,  until  his  voice, 

Well  known,  they  heard,  to  theirs  rejoinder  made  : 

'•'  Mary  why  weepest  thou?     Whom  seekest  thou  ?  " 

With  ecstacy  of  joy,  then  Mary  hailed 

Him  Rabbi,  flew  as  she  was  wont,  to  clasp 

His  feet  in  close  embrace,  as  dearest  friend 

Who  had  escaped  a  thousand  fancied  deaths, 

From  perilous  seas  and  sickly  climes  returned  .- 

But  suddenly  was  checked  her  gushing  joy, 

When  stern  the  Lord  made  answer,  "  Touch  me  not ' 

I  have  not  yet  ascended  to  My  God  : 

Thy  God.     My  Father,  also  thine  !     Withhold 

The  fond  expression  of  thy  love.     I  know 

Thy  heart,  and  well  appreciate  thy  zeal ; 

Thy  strict  fidelity  have  seen  and  loved  : 

But  thou  hast  known  Me  in  the  flesh  ;  no  more 

Canst  know  Me  thus.     The  form  that  now  is  mine, 

Thou  canst  not  touch,  unless  a  miracle 

Be  wrought,   (that  yet  may  be  if  faith  require.)! 

It  is  the  spirit's  vehicle,  refined 

From  matter  gross,  and  principles  corrupt, 

Of  earthly  sort —  the  process  pass'd  in  death 

All  intercourse  familiar,  hence  must  cease, 

Except  through  prayer,  the  spirit's  channel  free, 

*  MaUh.  xxvii.  61.  t  John  xz.  27, 


151 


Through  which  communion  must  be  held  with  God ! 
Tell  My  disciples  that  I  live  !     That  death 
Through  death,  by  Me  is  changed  to  endless  life  '. 
That  I  have  triumphed  over  hell's  vile  host ! 
Their  chief,  in  proud  conceit  invincible 
And  dauntless,  strove  to  oppose  My  grand  design  ; 
Oft  met  Me  in  the  fierce  attack,  with  arms 
Of  horrid  mould,   devised  in  hell,  and  shaped 
For  certain  conquest  'mong  the  sons  of  earth, 
Unaided  by  my  arm  !     But  these  I  turned 
Against  himself,  so  firmly  stood  unharmed, 
As  Hermon  breasts  the  storm  that  sweeps  the  plain  I 
Who  then  recoiled,  and  changed  quite  oft  his  mode 
Of  war,  as  hellish  council  did  suggest : 
At  length  this  one  expedient  tried,  as  last 
Of  all  infernal  schemes  that  wisdom  damn'd, 
Could  well  conceive  !     The  pharisees  and  scribes, 
By  sophistry  which  none  but  he  can  use, 
And  none  but  they  receive,  unless  like  them 
Deceived,  were  urged  to  seek  my  life  !  and  on, 
Through  pretext  varying  oft  to  suit  the  end, 
Were  led  to  accomplish  what  their  hearts  desired  ; 
And  thus  to  fill  their  cup  of  vengeful  wrath  !* 
But  He  o'erleaped  his  own  design  and  failed, 
When  confident  success  at  last  had  turned 
The  scale  to  side  of  hell !     To  make  all  sure, 
He  whispered  round  among  the  Jews,  to  ask 
Of  Rome,  a  guard  to  watch  the  sepulchre 
That  night,  that  My  disciples  might  not  take 
The  body  hence ;  but  did  not  know,   (so  long 
He  held  the  key  of  death,)   that  I  laid  down 
My  life  a  sacrifice  for  man,  and  hencef 
Could  take  again,  at  will,  what  I  resigned  ! 

t  1  These,  ii.  15-16.  +  John  s.  18 


152 

All  things  secured,  he  kept  not  watch  himself* 

But  back,  to  hold  a  jubilee  in  hell, 

With  all  his  fiends,  o'er  what  was  gained,  he  took 

His  way.     How  short  the  triumph  and  how  base ! 

An  hour  of  fiendish  joy,  and  revelry* 

In  pain,  succeeded  by  eternal  night ! 

Now  death,  through  me,  has  lost  its  sting  !     The  grave 

Its  victory  !     Death  as  tyrant  reigned  o'er  man, 

From  Adam  down  to  Moses,  and  from  him 

To  Me,  through  Satan's  power !  Through  him  man  sinn'd. 

By  sin  came  death  —  so  held  the  key  of  death ! 

But  I  have  wrenched  it  from  his  grasp,  and  him 

Confined  to  boundaries  marked  !     Behold  I  live ! 

And  hold  henceforth  the  keys  of  death  and  hell ! 

When  Gabriel's  trump  shall  sound,  the  dead  shall  rise, 

To  meet  rewards  of  life  on  earth  they  pass'd  ! 

The  silent  church-yards,  planted  round  with  yews, 

Whose  solemn  tops  have  sighed  to  moaning  winds, 

Through  ages  past,  shall  send  their  myriads  forth, 

To  meet  the  hosts  from  ocean's  bed  disgorged, 

(That  charnel-house  of  navies  vast,  through  time  ;) 

With  all  the  treasured  legions  from  the  field 

Where  millions  slaughtered  fell,  and  slept  beneath 

The  green  clad  mound  —  a  foul  commingled  mass  ; 

And  these  shall  join  in  phalanx  large, 

The  nations  still  alive,  to  pass  review, 

In  airy  fields  of  amplest  space,  sublime, 

Before  the  Judge  on  burning  clouds  enthroned  ! 

My  saints  shall  rise  in  image  of  their  God, 

Forever  blest,  (so  shall  My  servant  teach. )t 

Their  natural  bodies,  though  dishonored,  vile, 

And  powerless,  when  they  die,  in  wisdom  changed, 

Shall  rise  in  power,  in  bliss  and  honor  live, 

•  Luke  txii,  S3.  t  I  Corinth,  xv.  40.  49. 


153 

And  immortality  put  on —  the  dress 

Of  saints,  well  wrought  to  suit  their  state  renewed  — 

And  strike  their  harps  to  songs  of  victory  tuned, 

O'er  death  and  hell,  through  Me  their  living  Head ! 

Tell  My  disciples,  also  Peter,   (mark 

The  injunction,)   Peter,  who  through  fear  denied 

Me  once,  when  following  where  I  bid  him  not  — 

So  fell,  and  pierced  his  soul  with  sorrows  through  ! 

Him  I  restored  when  penitent,  and  thus, 

On  all  impetuous  service  unrequired, 

Or  rash  unskilful  zeal  however  bright 

It  burn,  My  seal  of  disapproval  stamp'd  — 

Tell  him,  tell  my  disciples  all,  that  I 

Will  go  before  them  into  Galilee  ; 

There  shall  they  see  me."    Here  dismissed  at  once, 

This  subject  new,  delightful  to  them  both, 

Which  held  them  long,  unconscious  of  the  time 

That  passed,  that  Mary  might  communicate 

With  haste,  the  joyous  message  as  enjoined. 

'  Twas  on  the  eve  of  that  same  day  that  Christ* 

Arose,  two  men  of  visage  sad  and  speech 

Subdued,  were  seen  approaching  near  a  place 

Call'd  Emmaus.     Their  whole  demeanor  showed 

Some  dread  calamity  to  Israel  come  ! 

'  Twas  clear  that  disappointed  hope  had  fixed 

Its  impress  deep  upon  their  clouded  brows ! 

And  they  were  Christ's  disciples  — doubtful  now, 

Of  what  their  Lord  had  said  before  His  death, 

That  they  should  see  His  Kingdom  prosperous  rise  — 

Discussing  what  the  probable  result, 

Of  all  these  strange  occurrences  should  be. 

And  as  they  reasoned  thus  between  themselves, 

Luke  xxiv.  13. 


154 

The  Saviour  came,  as  one  whose  journey  led 

That  way,  to  join  their  walk,   (so  strangers  oft 

Unite  in  travelled  ways,)  and  thus  inquired  : 

"  What  sad  communications  these,  ye  make 

To  one  and  other  as  ye  pass  along?  " 

Then  Cleopas  astonished  greatly  said  : 

"  Art  Thou  a  stranger  in  Jerusalem? 

And  uninformed  that  Christ,  a  prophet  great 

In  deed  and  word,  condemn'd  by  scribes  and  priests, 

Was  crucified  ?     We  thought,   (His  word  inspired 

Such  hopes,)  that  Israel  would  have  been  redeem'd, 

By  dint  of  His  strong  arm  !     That  Judah's  sons 

With  Israel  joined,  should  worship  God  again 

In  peace,  delivered  from  their  foes  !     Three  days 

Have  pass'd  —  our  fondest  hopes  are  crushed  ! 

Besides,  some  females  from  the  sepulchre 

Returned,  who  sought  to  find  His  body  there, 

Reported  that  they^heard  from  angel's  lips, 

In  vision  seen  around  the  sepulchre, 

That  He  is  still  alive  !     And  some,  who  heard 

These  things  but  doubted,  found  'twas  true  indeed, 

But  saw  Him  not!  "     The  Saviour  then  replied, 

His  speech  was  stern,  but  kind  :     "  O  fools!  and  slow 

Of  faith,  to  disbelieve  the  prophets'  word ! 

Ought  not  the  Christ  to  suffer  what  Himself, 

In  love  to  man,  agreed  before  He  came 

To  take  upon  Himself?  that  justice'  claims, 

Of  fearful  grasp3  might  not  the  prisoner  hold, 

Shut  out  from  mercy's  reach  ?     '  Twere  unjust  else  ! 

Nor  could  He  e'er  resume  His  glory,  veiled 

From  angel's  view,  by  human  form  put  on, 

But  through  that  course  of  suffering,  humbleness, 

And  shame  o'er  which  ye  grieve,  but  shall  no  more." 

He  then  in  condescension  to  their  state 


155 

Untaught,  from  Moses  on  to  Malachi 

Explained,  in  speech  not  mystified  in  school 

Of  man,  the  word  revealed  concerning  Christ ! 

To  Him  the  prophets  all  gave  witness  cleat  : 

Agreement  strict  between  themselves,  he  showed. 

Between  their  word  and  facts  transpired,  so  plain 

That  captious  infidelity  could  ask 

No  more,  nor  sophistry,  in  seeming  garb 

Of  truth,  pervert  the  argument  deduced! 

Their  unbelief,  as  darkness  at  the  blush 

Of  morn,  dispersed  ;  the  truth  their  minds  illumed, 

And  warmed  as  fire  of  God  their  hearts,  to  glow 

Of  zeal  and  ardent  love,  as  they  arrived 

At  Emmaus.     Here  stopp'd  to  pass  the  night, 

(For  they  had  press'd  the  stranger  hard  to  be 

Their  guest ;)  and  as  they  sat  at  meat,  He  took 

As  oft  He  did  before  His  death,  the  bread, 

Gave  thanks,  and  bless'd,  then  gave  to  each  a  part. 

At  once  their  eyes  unsealed,  beheld  their  Lord ! 

Not  long  beheld  —  He  vanished  out  of  sight ! 

With  strength  renewed,  as  when  the  soul  refreshed 

By  interview  divine,  or  fed  with  bread 

Of  God,  begins  life's  pilgrimage  afresh  ; 

The  two  disciples  now  return,  to  greet 

Their  loved  companions  at  Jerusalem  ! 

To  them  rehearsed  what  pass'd :     How  Jesus  came, 

And  joined  them  by  the  way  ;  their  tardiness 

Reproved  ;  and  exposition  gave  of  what 

The  prophets  had  declared  concerning  him  ; 

Became  their  guest ;  took  bread,  gave  thanks,  was  known  ; 

Then  vanished  out  of  sight !     Whose  word,  as  shock 

Electric,  pass'd  from  one  to  other  round, 

Among  the  faithful  few,  revived  their  hopes  ; 

Confirmed  their  faith  ;  fresh  zeal  and  love  inspired, 


156 

And  gave  impulsion  new  to  holy  joy  ! 

Yet  some  there  were,   (how  strange!)  who  doubted  still ! 

On  a  lone  mountain's  top  in  Galilee, 

Far  from  the  scene  of  Jesus'  tragic  death, 

Now  the  disciples  met,  await  as  taught, 

The  coming  of  the  Lord  !     He  bade  them  wait 

His  coming  here  !     Here  in  the  flesh,  He  loved 

To  tread,  with  them,  the  mountain  wilds,  and  draw 

From  Nature's  ample  stores,  instruction  rich, 

And  easy  grasped  by  feeble  minds.     Again, 

Would  meet  them  here  and  last  injunction  give ! 

He  comes  !     But  as  He  lingers  in  the  way, 

Some  doubt !     He  nearer  comes  !    He  speaks!  They  bow 

In  adoration  down — 'The  Lord  proceeds  ! 

"All  power  in  heaven  and  earth  is  mine  !     Go  ye 

And  preach  the  gospel  ye  have  learned  and  felt, 

To  every  man  :  baptizing  all  who  shall 

Through  faith  receive  my  word  :  rejecting  all 

Who  will  not  thus  believe  —  they  shall  be  damn'd  ! 

Bid  them  observe  My  laws,  and  love  My  truth  ; 

And  lo  !     I  will  be  with  you  all,  Amen  ! 

Begin  your  message  at  Jerusalem, 

Where  I  was  crucified  !     My  triumph  there 

Must  first  be  seen.     Not  as  impostors  do, 

Do  ye  —  commence  in  place  remote  from  that 

The  scene  is  made,  to  propagate  some  tale 

Incredible  ;  at  home  could  be  disproved  : 

But  where  I  bled  and  died  and  rose,  there  preach 

Repentance  in  My  name  !     My  death  and  life 

The  basis  of  the  offers  which  ye  make 

To  man  ;  of  pardon,  life  and  peace  through  Me  ! 

There  pray,  and  tarry,  till  ye  be  endued 

With  power  from  Heaven.     This  promise  ye  received 


157 

From  me  —  I  from  My  Father.     John  did  well 

Baptize  with  water  :  ye  shall  be  baptized 

Few  days  hence  with  the  Holy  Ghost!     Ask  not 

To  know  the  times  and  seasons  not  revealed  — 

Kept  in  the  Father's  power.     Short  time  shall  pass 

Before  the  Son  of  man  shall  come,  to  set 

His  Kingdom  up  on  earth,  in  form  and  power  ! 

Come  in  the  glory  of  His  Spirit  down, 

To  recognize  His  church,  baptize  in  one 

His  people  all  —  one  body  organized  — 

And  He  the  Head.     One  Spirit  then  shall  guide 

The  whole,  till  He  shall  come  the  second  time  !  "• 

Meanwhile  was  Michael  sent  to  overseef 

With  four  associate  sons  of  God  elect, 

The  resurrection  of  the  saints  :     To  seal, 

And  mark  from  Israel's  tribes,  twelve  thousand  each  ; 

(The  tribe  of  Dan  except :     For  cause  unknown 

On  earth,  they  wait  for  His  salvation  now  !)t 

The  glorious  retinue  of  Christ,  to  wing 

With  Him  through  azure  fields,  their  way  to  Heaven  ! 

First  fruits  of  God  through  Him,  as  pledge  of  what 

The  harvest  all  shall  be  :  presented  now 

By  Him  as  priest  of  God,  in  holy  place, 

As  Aaron's  sons,  the  sheaf  before  the  Lord  ! 

Now  Michael  comes  to  Moses'  grave —  the  spot 

Concealed  from  man  —  to  wake  this  man  of  God  — 

He  was  a  type  of  Christ,  a  faithful  man  — 

And  bid  him  join  the  waiting  host,  who  rose 

When  Christ  arose  and  walked  with  solemn  pace,§ 

Around  Jerusalem  !     Amazed,  he  saw 

A  shape  of  huge  dimension,  wing'd  with  plumes 

Of  darkest  shade,  and  spear  of  hellish  mould, 

"  Matth.  xviii.  16.  20  :    Acts  i.  4-7.    t  Genesis  xlix.  18. 
t  Rev.  vii.  1-8:  Rev.  xiv.  1^.  §  Matth,  xzvii.  52-53, 

14 


153 

In  hand,  awaiting  his  approach,  stood  firm  ! 

Dark  desperation  lowered  upon  his  brow. 

And  from  his  eye  defiance  flashed,  as  when 

The  lion  hunted  stands  at  bay  !     His  voice, 

Unearthly  hissing  seemed  ;  resembling  most, 

If  aught  on  earth  it  did  resemble,  sounds 

From  mad  Vesuvius'  belching  mouth,  as  thus 

He  spoke  :     "  Avaunt  thou  soft  plumed  son  of  light ! 

Thou  weak,  effeminate  angel !  nursed  in  heaven, 

'  Mid  green  celestial  bowers,  and  genial  fruits 

Ambrosial !     Stand,  and  thou  shalt  feel  my  steel, 

Proved  in  the  battle's  strife,  thou  hast  not  seen  ! 

Think'st  thou  to  meet  me,  when  thy  Master  fell 

Powerless  before  this  weighty  spear  well  poised  ? 

What  wouldst  thou  here  ?    Wouldst  take  from  me  the  key 

Of  death  ?  or  wouldst  invade  my  province,  held 

Four  thousand  years  with  undisputed  right  ? 

Thy  Master,  true,  escaped  — •  't  would  not  been  thus 

Had  I  kept  watch  instead  of  man.     Here  miss'd, 

For  once,  my  mark  :  but  I  shall  catch  ere  long, 

In  wily  snare,  this  soaring  bird.     Meantime, 

No  more  shall '  scape.     This  body  dead,  I  saw 

Deposited  of  God,  as  I  was  perched 

Unseen  on  Pisgah's  top,  in  charnel  house 

Unknown  to  thee.     The  door  I  closed  with  haste, 

Then  turned  with  unrelenting  hand  the  key 

Of  everlasting  night  on  this  famed  saint 

Of  God  !     From  God  came  life  —  by  me  came  death  ! 

Thus  I  obtain  just  vengeance,  sought  by  me 

In  heaven,  on  earth,  in  pleasure,  pain,  in  weal, 

In  woe,  in  hell,  unceasing  sought ;  since  he. 

Unjust  and  partial,  laid  on  me  the  curse 

Of  endless  pain — •  because  of  rights  maintained 

By  those,  who  would  not  cringe  to  power  usurp'd ! 


159 

My  heart  increasing  burns  with  direful  hate 

Tow'rd  God,  whilst  sore  remembrance  haunts 

My  soul,  in  ghastly  form,  with  what  I  was, 

And  what  am  now,  and  what  He  is,  and  what 

Would  be  if  justice  reign'd  !     My  spirit  free, 

Was  cast  in  largest  mould  celestial,  formed 

For  glory,  conquest,  power  supreme  on  earth, 

In  heaven  !     Befitting  more  that  I  should  reign, 

Than  He  who  thunders  forth  unjust  decrees, 

Bearing  unequally  on  those  He  rules  ; 

And  yet  I'm  doomed  to  service  vile  and  damn'd! 

Can  this  be  borne  ?     Witness  ye  heavens !     Ye  powers 

Of  earth  !     Ye  spirits  lost  who  congregate 

In  airy  plains !     Ye  powers  of  hell !     That  here, 

I  wage  eternal  war  with  God !  "     To  whom 

Michael  made  answer  mild  ;     "  The  Lord  rebuke* 

Thee  Satan,  boastful  in  thy  speech,  and  proud  J 

I  bring  no  railing  accusation  bold 

'Gainst  thee  ;  though  I  in  justice  might.     Nor  dare 

I  rail,  as  thou  has  railed.     I  fear  not  thee, 

Nor  thy  great  spear  in  battle  tried.     The  Lord 

Of  hosts  I  fear,  whose  representative 

I  stand  :  and  therefore  use  soft  language,  such 

As  suits  my  station  high,  before  His  throne ! 

Thou  canst  not  harm  me  daring  fiend  :     My  life 

Secure  in  power  divine,  is  hid  from  thee ! 

Thou  canst  not  wield  '  gainst  me  thy  polished  spear  ; 

But  paralyzed  must  stand,  as  criminal 

Thou  art,  and  hear  the  will  of  God.     My  speech 

Not  harsh,  but  true,  shall  well  portray  thy  state  ; 

Hid  from  thyself,  by  strong  delusions  thou 

Has  cherished  long,  and  fed  by  luring  hopes, 

Concocted  by  infernal  fancy's  aid ! 

*  Jude  9.    "  He  disputed  about  the  body  of  Moses." 


160 

Thou  hast  no  power  but  what  the  Lord  permits 

Thee  in  His  providence  to  exercise, 

Against  His  people  thou  may'st  think  ;  but  not 

Against  them,  rather  for  their  good  ;  that  they, 

When  tempted,  proved,  may  be  as  gold 

Refined  and  unalloyed,  from  sins  expurged  ! 

Thou  may'st  forbid,  but  canst  not  stop  the  dead 

From  coming  forth  at  God's  command.     How  vain 

The  thought  —  hadst  thou  kept  watch  instead  of  man, 

The  Lord  could  not  have  risen  !     His  rising  sinks 

Thee  down  to  endless  night !     His  life  thy  death 

Shall  prove !     His  power  has  forced  from  thee  the  kej 

Of  death  !     Dost  think  thou  hold'st  it  still  ?    Make  search 

Deluded  fiend  !     Amid  thy  various  stores 

Of  hellish  husbandry  and  implements 

Of  second  death,  where  found  ?    Thick  night  from  thee 

Has  brooded  long  o'er  man.     No  cheering  beam 

Could  pierce  the  gloom,  tillJesus  rose !     From  Him 

Diverges  now  in  brightest  ray  the  light 

Of  life,  to  utmost  ends  of  earth  :     From  thence 

Returns  to  blend  with  kindred  light  in  heaven ! 

Dost  thou  see  this  light?     Thou  canst  not  see  it  — 

Nor  yet  would  man,  hadst  thou  held  sway.     But  know 

From  hence  he  may  resist  thy  boasted  power, 

By  offered  grace  accepted  ;  nor  shall  walk 

In  darkness,  if  he  choose  the  light  of  God  ! 

I  charge  thee  now,  in  name  of  Him  Most  High, 

Who  rules  in  hell  and  metes  out  punishment 

To  crime  proportionate,  that  thou  attempt 

No  interference  here,  or  thou  shall  feel 

The  heaviest  blow  his  vengeance  can  inflict ! 

Go  hide  thee  in  the  night  of  hell,  nor  show 

Thy  darkened  visage,  grim  as  hell  itself, 

Again  among  the  sons  of  God,  till  He. 


161 

Shall  call  thee  forth  to  meet  thy  final  state  !  " 
Then  Satan  turned,  his  spear  let  fall,  nor  made 
Reply,  but  seemed  like  raging  waves  convulsed, 
When  howling  storms  sweep  o'er  the  midnight  sea ! 
His  broad,  dark  wings  he  plied  ;  repeated  oft 
The  attempt  abortive,  moving  the  elastic  air 
With  flapping  beat  and  heavy  sound,  like  that 
Of  some  tall  bark  becalm'd,  when  first  she  meets 
The  breeze  with  sails  untrimm'd  !     Then  slowly  rose, 
And  tow'rd  the  abyss  of  hell  he  laboring  fled 
Beyond  the  verge  of  earth  —  a  conquered  foe! 

Then  Michael  quickly  sped,  what  time  detained 

He  soon  redeemed,  and  marshall'd  on  the  plains 

The  new  raised  host  of  God's  elect,  to  pass 

With  Jesus  up  to  glorious  state  —  a  troop 

Invisible  to  mortal  eye  !     In  what 

Arrangement  placed  it  was  not  known  to  man  ; 

Perhaps,   (as  fruitful  fancy  now  suggests,) 

'  Twere  safe  to  say,  they  ranged  in  order  thus  :* 

First  grand  division,  on  east  were  those 

From  Judah,  Issachar  and  Zebulon  ; 

The  second,  on  the  south,  from  Reuben,  Gad 

And  Simeon.     On  the  west,  the  third  were  those 

From  Levi,  Benjamin,  Manasseh  raised  ; 

(Manasseh  stood  in  place  of  Ephraim  left) 

And  on  the  north,  the  fourth  stood  those  redeemed, 

From  Joseph,  Asher,  Naphthali  ;  (for  Dan 

Remained  unsealed,)  with  Jesus  in  the  midst! 

A  glorious  host,  with  banners  flouting  high, 

In  triumph  floating,  waiting  now  the  word 

From  Christ  their  King  !     His  chariots  bright  — 

Their  number  twenty  thousand  named,  by  onef 

'  I  Numbers,  ii.  ch.  t  Ps.  Ixviii.  17. 18. 

14* 


162 

Inspired  —  in  waiting  stood,  conveyance  fit 

For  retinue  divine !     And  hovering  near, 

Ten  thousand  times  ten  thousand  angels  filled 

The  mid- way  air!     From  Bethany  began, 

With  awful  majesty,  his  upward  flight  — 

Himself  alone  was  visible  to  man  — 

Leading  those  captive  now,  whom  captive  death 

Had  held  ;  in  long  and  gloomy  triumph  held  ! 

Parted  at  once  from  His  disciples,  while 

With  hands  upraised,  in  accents  sweet — not  used 

On  earth —  He  poured  His  farewell  blessing  down1 

Then  rang  the  trump  of  God  with  solemn  peal,* 

And  tone  of  gladness,  new  and  loud,  not  heard 

At  Sinai's  mount,  nor  at  the  jubilee 

By  Israel  held,  whilst  angels'  shouts  convulsed 

The  teeming  air !     His  rapt  disciples  gazed 

Intensely  up  —  their  senses  all  absorbed 

In  sight !     The  Saviour  onward  urged  His  way  ' 

Then  came  the  intervening  cloud,  and  He 

Was  lost  to  earth  !     But  onward  still  He  soars. 

With  His  accompanying  host  from  orb  to  orb, 

Where  posted  angels  cheer  them  as  they  pass, 

Till  they  arrive  at  Heaven's  high  outer  wall, 

Of  jasper  studded  thick  with  precious  stones, 

Bright  as  the  brilliant  sun's  meridian  li?ht! 

Here  pause.     The  escorting  angels  slow  advance 

In  front,  and  thus  make  proclamation  loud  : 

' '  Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  gates  !  and  be  lift  up 

Ye  everlasting  doors  !  and  let  the  King 

Of  glory  in  !  "     The  angel  who  kept  guard 

Within,  the  same  who  watched  with  flaming  gword, 

The  tree  of  life  in  Paradise,  when  first 

The  interdiction  pass'd ;  inquiring  speaks  : 

•  Pa.  xlviu  5. 


163 


"  Who  is  this  King  of  glory  ?  "     Those  without 

Again  reply  :     "  The  Lord  of  hosts  !     The  Lord 

Mighty  in  battle,  He  is  King  of  kings 

And  King  of  glory  !  "     Open  wide,  then  flew 

The  everlasting  doors  !     On  high  the  gates 

Were  thrown!     Then  onward  Jesus  moved, 

With  gracious  step,  His  train  all  following  close, 

Approached  His  Father's  throne,  and  thus  began 

His  speech  sublime,  whilst  angel  hosts 

With  wings  at  rest  closed  down,  in  silence  stood  : 

"  O  !  Righteous  Father  !  God  !     The  hour  has  come ! 

Now  glorify  thy  Son  !     I  have  declared 

Thy  name  to  man,  and  honored  Thee  on  earth  ! 

The  work  assigned  to  Me  have  done  —  and  now 

I  come  to  Thee  to  claim  the  glory  due  — • 

The  glory  I  enjoyed  with  Thee,  ere  man 

A  being  had,  or  time  its  course  began  !  " 

On  whom  the  Father's  smile  complacent  fell, 

Bright  as  the  lightning's  flash,  without  its  glare, 

Reflected  far  o'er  all  the  heavenly  choirs, 

In  waiting  bowed,  as  He  made  answer  thus  : 

'•'  0  !  Son  beloved  !     Thou  image  of  Myself! 

From  whom  did  emanate,  in  yonder  world, 

All  the  divine  perfections,  as  the  light 

From  its  concentred  source  !     Well  hast  Thou  earned 

The  glory  claimed.     To  this  hast  thou  aspired, 

And  kept  My  promise  large,  in  view  ;  when  wrapt 

In  conflict  dread,  which  none  but  Thou  could  bear! 

Thou  didst  humility  put  on,  in  sight 

Of  wondering  crowds  —  below  their  nature  pass  — 

Here  lost  Thy  reputation,  sacred  held 

Before,  among  the  sons  of  heaven !     Above 

Their  rank,  pre-eminent,  thou  once  didst  stand, 

And  sway  Thy  sceptre  o'er  their  myriad  hosts  ! 


To  Thee  they  bowed,  and  Thee  adored  divine  ! 
This  Thou  didst  sacrifice !     To  man's  low  state 
Stoop  down,  to  meet  on  equal  ground  His  foe! 
Him  Thou  hast  conquered !     Welcome  Thy  return  .' 
Thou,  in  Thy  former  glory,  shalt  be  crown'd  ; 
The  travail  of  Thy  soul_  shalt  see,  and  reign 
O'er  all  the  earth  !    Sit  Thou  at  My  right  hand  ! " 
The  Son  sat  down  upon  His  Father's  Throne. 
And  from  Him  shone  the  God  head  as  before ! 
Then  rang  the  holy  choirs,  through  all  their  ranks 
Symphonious,  "  Worthy  is  the  Lamb,  who  once 
Was  slain,  now  victor  over  death  is  crown'd  ; 
To  have  again  all  power  and  praise  in  heaven  ! 
Amen  !    Hallelujah  !     Amen !     Amen !  " 

Long  His  disciples  looked  with  ardent  gaze 

And  deep  abstraction  tow'rd  the  fancied  place, 

Where  the  bright  cloud  received  their  Lord,  and  wrapt 

Around  His  lovely  form,  its  ample  folds 

Of  fleecy  light !     Two  angels  from  the  rest 

Detached,  to  turn  their  minds  from  this  event 

To  one  not  yet  transpired,  by  words  of  hope 

Thus  broke  their  wakeful  dream  :     "  Ye  men 

Of  Galilee !     Why  stand  ye  gazing  up 

To  heaven  ?     Why  doth  despondency  weigh  down 

Your  hearts?  as  if  the  Saviour  would  not  come 

Again  to  earth  !     He  shall  descend,  as  ye 

Have  seen  Him  rise,  in  power  and  glory  rise, 

From  earth  to  heaven  !     Him  the  heavens  must  retain. 

Until  the  time  appointed  come ;  His  work 

Of  meditation  done  !    The  Father's  grace, 

Through  Him  as  channel  fit,  must  first  be  poured. 

In  richest  streams  on  earth  ;  and  myriads  bow 

To  His  redeeming  power  !    The  day  and  hour. 


165 

Not  known  to  man  ;  nor  to  the  angels  known  ! 

Nor  can  the  Son  reveal,  what  God  ordains 

Must  secret  stand,  until  preceding  signs, 

As  bright  precursors,  indication  give 

Of  His  approach  !  Watch,  therefore  !    Watch!    That  day 

Shall  come !     Come  as  a  snare  to  all  who  dwell* 

Upon  the  earth!     No  future  prophets  bold, 

By  long  array  of  mathematic  proofs, 

Shall  fix  the  time  as  demonstration  clear  ! 

Nor  can  they  fix  what  God  has  never  shown, 

But  by  eventful  signs,  described,  and  plain  ! 

Sudden  the  lightning  streams  from  east  to  west. 

Nor  sends  a  herald  forth  to  give  alarm  : 

So  shall  His  coming  be  to  rebel  foes  — 

The  signs  acknowledged,  hailed  by  faithful  friends ! 

As  in  the  days  of  Noah,  men  were  blind 

To  signs,  and  deaf  to  warnings  given,  and  turned 

Away  to  feastings,  merriment  and  crime  ; 

Marrying  and  giving  in  marriage  —  thoughtless  souls  — 

As  if  their  fleeting  joys  could  never  end  ; 

Nor  heeded  what  the  preacher  said,  till  they 

Were  overwhelm'd  with  woe  ;  so  shall  it  be 

When  Christ  shall  come !     Perhaps  that  morn  may  be 

The  fairest  earth  e'er  saw  —  a  festive  day 

Among  the  proud,  to  solemnize  exploits 

Of  man  —  some  large  achievements  madt  in  arts, 

Unfolding  rich  resources,  hid  till  now, 

To  swell  the  flood  of  happiness  on  earth  ! 

False  pleasure  beams  in  every  eye,  and  shouts 

Of  mirth  and  gladness  fill  the  air  !     Here  loud 

The  roar  of  cannonryrjs  heard,  and  here 

The  dance,  and  here  the  song !     And  here  the  glass 

With  sparkling  death  is  filled  !     In  yonder  hall, 

'  Luke  xxi.  35. 


166 

(The  time  as  fit,  for  this  occasion  fixed,) 

The  marriage  vow  proceeds.     The  man  of  God 

Stands  up  to  speak  the  joyful  words.     The  guests 

In  silent  expectation  stand  ;   (how  gay  ! 

In  richest  dress  attired,  with  care  that  day 

At  toilet  given  !)     The  ready  banquet  waits, 

And  glad  festivities  at  closing  scene  — 

At  once  the  trump  of  God  shall  sound,  with  blast 

Of  fearful  note,  and  deafening  shouts  come  down 

To  earth  !     The  heavens  shall  part !     The  Saviour  come  ! 

His  chariot  large —  thick  clouds  of  brightest  flame  ! 

His  steeds  —  the  coursing  winds  tempestous  driven  ! 

His  train  —  the  embodied  hosts  of  heaven  !     His  voice — 

The  awful  thunder's  roar!     His  eye's  bright  beam  — 

The  lightnings  flash,  o'erpowering  mortal  sight ! 

The  dead  shall  rise  !     The  judgment  set!     The  good 

Ascend  to  meet  the  Lord  in  air  !     The  heavens 

Together  roll  with  dreadful  shock !    The  earth 

In  penal  fires  be  wrapt !     The  wicked  fall 

From  mercy's  reach — their  day  of  sorrow  come  ! 

Satan  with  all  his  hosts  sink  down  to  hell  — 

Remediless  their  state  —  for  ever  damn'd  ! 

And  Jesus  reign  on  earth  as  now  in  heaven !  " 


•</\/HA  ra   --my 


-///.     UHUUI  I.  \\\- 


This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last 
date  stamped  below 


ID 


JUL 


10m-ll, '50(2555)470 


HVH8I1 


V-OTONV 


